PROPERTIES that are considered as structures of special importance could be preserved even though they are less than 50 years old under the government’s heritage site lists.
Under amendments to the 1995 Artefacts Protection Law, the Cabinet has been authorised to protect such properties following a case-by-case presentation by the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (Baca) president.
The updated rules would enable the government to declare, if necessary, specific areas in new developments as “sites of cultural value”, helping in their preservation.
The amendments issued through a royal decree by His Majesty King Hamad during the National Assembly recess last year would see Baca given the power to determine the value of each property in the sea or on land and even those isolated from particular fields.
Baca will also have the power to stop work on any location, block construction or fence off the place until the said area is acquired by the government, within a set time frame.
“The new preservation rules ensure properties that are witness to significant moments in people’s lives are protected without the timeline factor or age being an issue,” said Shura Council services committee chairwoman Hala Fayez.
“Places of value will be now determined by the people who convened, met or gathered there rather than on their architectural, structural or construction aspect,” she added.
“This means that the focus would be on properties of interest that are witnesses to modern history besides efforts to protect historic sites.
“The scope of heritage sites has been also expanded to include the sea, land and even those isolated from particular fields, which gives responsible authorities more power to take necessary action.”
The new legislation also envisages giving special artefacts inspectors extensive powers to determine the best course of action.
“This means that the inspectors will be allowed to take action on the spot if they deem a site has historical value until arrangements are made to purchase or acquire such sites if they are privately-owned,” said Ms Fayez.
“The Survey and Land Registration Bureau will be also alerted to block any sale or transfer of those sites.”
The Legalisation and Legal Opinion Commission told the Shura Council that the 28-year-old law was backdated.
“Bahrain is rich in history and some of the artefacts or places of value are now located in developed areas and there is a fear it could be wiped away by rapid urbanisation or to pave way to other buildings or commercial projects,” it added.
“We also believe that archaeological tourism could supplement the government’s coffers, but it needs legislative action fast.”
Parliament has already approved the amendments last month despite raising concerns over compensation and modes of preservation.
Parliament services committee chairman Mamdooh Al Saleh at the time backed the amendments, while expressing concern over the plight of citizens who were unable to take decisions on their derelict homes.
MP Ahmed Al Salloom echoed similar sentiments, calling for a comprehensive mechanism to expedite the preservation process without damaging the rights of home owners.
MP Jalal Kadhem highlighted the need for a system to compensate owners upon appropriating their land, or allow them to sell, restore, maintain or tear down and rebuild their properties.
MP Basma Mubarak said several abandoned homes were being occupied by beggars, and called for a prompt comprehensive solution.
MP Dr Mariam Al Dhaen suggested that a hotel gets built in the site of the World Heritage Site - Dilmun Burial Mounds, mainly in A’ali.
Baca national heritage director Shaikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Khalifa told Capital Trustees Board members last month that there were plans to preserve the 43-year-old old Bahrain Chamber building in Manama as an example of places of value.
The Bahrain Chamber was originally established in 1939.
Meanwhile, during its weekly session on Sunday, the Shura Council will vote on a decree issued by the King to amend some provisions of an agreement on the establishment of the Gulf International Bank in 1975.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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