BAHRAIN’S fishermen could be getting their own majlises at local jetties, if councillors have their way.
The majlises, as proposed by the Southern Municipal Council, will have a main meeting hall, recreational and sport facilities, seating area with a TV, prayer corners, toilets, washrooms and other needed amenities.
The proposal has been spearheaded by the council’s financial, administrative and legislative committee chairman Talal Al Basheer, who wants a majlis to be first set up in his area, Zallaq.
“Jetties are no more just a place where fishermen just dock their boats, sail and download the catch,” he said.
“A fisherman who spends most of his day at sea wants a place where he can rest with his peers, and discuss issues or problems encountered at sea, or with the boats,” he added.
“The majlis building can also host seafood diners which will generate income for the jetty and the money can be used for maintenance or buying necessary equipment and appliances.
“What I am proposing is not strange; fishing communities in the US, Australia and southeast Asian countries already have special buildings on piers for fishermen.”
Mr Al Basheer pointed out that due credit should be given to the Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Ministry for mordernising the jetties.
“They now have fuelling pits, fish markets, auction spaces, garages and repair stations with the door open for further development,” he said.
“Majlises are in line with progress that we want seen; it makes fishermen happy and at the same time shows the government is interested in its oldest and biggest traditional profession.”
Meanwhile, jetties could be turned into attractive tourist destinations under new long-term modernisation plans.
Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Minister Essam Khalaf approved another proposal by the Muharraq Municipal Council to develop jetties not only for use by the fishermen, but also promote it as proper investment projects.
He told the council that the plan would include ferries, tourist restaurants, aqua-themed parks and other facilities.
“We have big plans for the jetties under our responsibility and we don’t want them to be just used as warehouses or docking areas for fishermen,” he said.
“We are currently assembling services at the jetties to ensure that fishermen’s needs are fulfilled and then decide on what we can do with the available open spaces.
“Investment is the way forward to put a place to the best use, and jetties across the world are appealing to tourists and visitors through proper attractions.
“Of course, we don’t want to replicate the same things here; we need to do things in our own unique way.
“If we hand over jetties to investors, we can be ensured that regular maintenance will be carried out, security guards will be deployed and that the jetties will spin revenues for the ministry.”
Fish markets were opened across all of Bahrain’s jetties in 2018.
There are 1,500 active fishing licences in Bahrain.
mohammed@gdn.com.bh
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