People drying laundry on balconies overlooking the street, or outside their homes and accommodation, could face tough action.
The warning comes a year after the Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry launched a campaign, in co-ordination with Bahrain’s two cleaning companies, across the four governorates to stamp out the ‘unsightly’ practice that ruins the beauty of the city.
Authorities are now vowing to launch legal proceedings against violators.
However, a few officials have sought exceptions to the rule and more time to spread awareness among workers.
Under the 1996 Public Roads Usage Law, illegal trespassing on public or private property is punishable with fines of up to BD500, while under the 2019 Public Cleanliness Law, dirtying, distorting the image or spilling water in the neighbourhood can lead to a fine of between BD50 and BD500.
Officials have, however, said that clothes can be hung out on rooftops or balconies – as long as it is not visible to the public.
Southern Municipal Council services and public utilities committee chairman Abdulla Abdullatif said violators who put up clotheslines in neighbourhoods and streets will be slapped with fines, their ropes cut and laundry confiscated.
“Hanging out laundry, including undergarments, in full public view is an eyesore and a despicable act,” he told the GDN.
“There are expat labourers who indulge in this practice, someone needs to help them buy electric dryers.
“There are also citizens who think the neighbourhood is their property, despite regularly getting their clotheslines removed during the year-long campaign. This cannot be tolerated,” he said.
Parliament public utilities and environment affairs committee chairman Khalid Bu Onk backed the move, however, adding that people should be allowed to dry their laundry on rooftops and balconies away from public view.
“Punishing offenders for putting clotheslines outside their accommodations is understandable. It will ensure that the neighbourhoods offer a pleasant view to residents, tenants or passers-by,” Mr Bu Onk said.
“However, most government homes and apartment buildings are so close to each other and are designed in such a way that it’s difficult to cover up laundry on balconies and rooftops from neighbours.
“The punishment should only be applicable to those encroaching into public property and not against anyone who just wants to dry clothes in the sun.
“Not everyone can afford electric dryers.
“Municipal officials should take this into consideration before deciding on punishments.”
Capital Trustees Board chairman Saleh Tarradah stressed the need for more awareness campaigns before fines are enforced.
“The government should approach embassies and consulates to tell them about the rule before handing out fines to workers who are unaware that their acts constitute an offence,” he added.
“Campaigns should be held in multiple languages so that all sections of the population are aware of the rule.
“The expat community should also step in and help poor labourers buy electric dryers for use within their accommodations since they are the biggest offenders.
“Let’s give more time for workers to learn good practises before enforcing tough decisions on them.”
Indian Community Relief Fund chairman Dr Babu Ramachandran said no one was against the implementation of the rule, however, more time was vital to spread awareness.
“Campaigns should be held in partnership with embassies, consulates, expat clubs and associations,” he said.
“We will work together to distribute flyers, brochures and post messages on social media. Once we cover a large section of the community, authorities can impose fines and punishments.”
A ban on drying laundry in public was introduced in the Southern Governorate in 2016 following complaints from residents that the sight of underwear and lingerie flapping in the wind was “provocative, disrespectful and embarrassing”.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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