A densely-populated Northern Governorate area could soon be getting a health centre and a public garden following proposals approved by the kingdom’s largest municipal council.
The suggested ‘ideal’ and ‘perfect’ 20,000sqm of government land for the projects is located in Maqabah Block 513.
According to area councillor Tareq Al Farsani, the suggested land is split into two – a 12,007sqm plot registered as ‘public services’ considered ideal for the health centre, and a 8,825sqm plot registered as ‘recreational’, perfect for the public garden.
He added that more than 13,000 people live in the block, raising the urgency for the provision of services of this nature.
“There are no health centres in my constituency and area residents have to travel long distances to access services in other constituencies,” said Mr Al Farsani during the council’s bi-weekly meeting.
“This proposal aims to save time, money and effort for patients while also allowing for more employment opportunities for Bahrainis in the health sector, as well as developing its infrastructure across the country.
“There are also no recreational services or a social outlet in the area, therefore, the plot of land as a whole could be used to provide both essential services in my constituency.”
According to technical reports attached to the proposal, the land is currently located within a new residential scheme.
Mr Al Farsani added that such densely populated areas require adequate public facilities and fellow councillors agree.
“In Hamad Town we have more than 100,000 residents depending only on two health centres creating an immense pressure on the services provided,” said councillor Abdulla Al Qubaisi.
“The Northern Governorate is lacking in the provision of facilities and we’re the only governorate with no public hospital which doesn’t seem fair.
“We are not asking for much besides the provision of basic health services to be provided to people which is their protected right within the Constitution.
“We have been making requests for health centres and hospitals in the Northern Governorate since 2018.”
The council unanimously gave the green light to the proposals following earlier approval by its services committee.
They will now be referred to Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister Wael Al Mubarak for review.
Meanwhile, a proposal to allocate land in Maqabah Block 507 to construct a football field was also unanimously approved by the council.
According to Mr Al Farsani, the 6,083sqm plot of government land is registered as a ‘public service’ patch and is currently empty within a new residential area.
“This proposal aims to work in accordance with His Majesty King Hamad’s directives to support youth and sports facilities and to create outlets for the young,” said Mr Al Farsani.
Councillors also approved allocating around 4,000sqm of the 70,380sqm land in Budaiya’s Cemetery on Block 557 to build a mosque. The proposal will now be referred to the Sunni Endowments Directorate for review.
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