RESIDENTS of Bahrain’s most populated constituency are landlocked with no sea access, despite being located in Muharraq island.
Muharraq Municipal Council has been trying to secure a water channel and seafront for amateur and professional fishermen in Arad and set up recreational and family entertainment facilities for residents.
Arad has the highest number of voters in a constituency as revealed in the 2018 Parliament and municipal elections. A total of 15,363 voters were eligible to cast their ballots for Parliament polls in the Muharraq Governorate’s constituency seven (Arad), and 15,436 for municipal councils – including 73 votes for GCC nationals and expatriates with property.
“There are eight constituencies in Muharraq and six of them overlooking the sea have their own jetties and maritime facilities,” said Arad councillor Ahmed Al Meghawi.
“Unfortunately, the seventh constituency Arad is landlocked.
“The other constituency has no sea access as it’s in the middle of Old Muharraq.
“It is unfair that someone living near the sea cannot enjoy or benefit from it.
“Arad is the most populated constituency in Bahrain and yet residents and fishermen here have no sea access. We have submitted multiple proposals over the past four years to no effect.”
Mr Al Meghawi has proposed constructing a sea channel from Halat Alnaim and Alsalata to the mainland.
“We have options for a water channel leading to the sea from Arad, besides a small jetty, but the government needs to act fast before further urbanisation makes work on the project difficult,” he said.
“We are witnessing a huge population surge, it shouldn’t be just about homes. The sea should remain a part of Arad’s identity and development.
“Arad was the home of well-known individuals in the fishing and diving industries and we want that tradition to continue for generations to come.”
In August last year, former minister Essam Khalaf vetoed a move by the council to ban development projects in Arad.
However, councillors insisted on the ban, saying residents had repeatedly complained of businesses encroaching on their property.
The issue was referred to the Cabinet for a final call.
Mr Khalaf said at the time that the Urban Planning and Development Authority had studied the area and found a balance between homes, Housing Ministry projects, services and recreational facilities.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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