A GLOBAL logistics company, situated near Bahrain International Airport, could be forced to find alternative routes for its trucks following complaints that residents were finding it difficult to get in and out of the area.
Long tailbacks and intolerable delays have been brought to the notice of the Muharraq Municipal Council which yesterday unanimously approved an urgent proposal to prohibit the company’s trucks from using Road 20 in Block 224.
It has also instructed the Works Ministry to co-ordinate alternative routes with the company which provides courier, package delivery and express mail services worldwide.
Council services and public utilities committee chairman Ahmed Al Meghawi clarified that the councillors haven’t found the company in any violation; but it’s busy operations were affective people’s lives.
“We don’t want the company gone from the area, it is vital to the country’s logistics sector,” he said.
“It is just a matter of organisation related to operational activities that has led to numerous public complaints of entry and exit difficulties in the nearby residential area,” he explained.
“There are huge tailbacks on the road and it is causing an intolerable scene that requires immediate action.”
“Clearly, the company’s huge, heavy and slow trucks block much-needed space, movement and flow.
“We believe there are other alternatives that could be used as a passage for these trucks without causing disturbances on an already bustling business and residential road near the airport.”
A presentation showcasing the problem was presented by area councillor Abdulqader Al Sayed who referred to the current location as “A” and suggesting trucks could be rerouted via “B”.
“Rerouting the trucks wouldn’t affect the company’s operations,” he said.
“Instead of entering or exiting directly from near the residential area, another site that is somehow located within an L shape from the company’s base could be used,” he added.
“This will make everyone happy. Residents enter and exit without any hassle and trucks can go in and out slower than normal if they want because they will be far away from mainstream traffic.”
Mr Al Sayed also explained that the company continuing operating from the current site was not an issue of debate, unlike what was being circulated on social media.
“We are speaking about the best logistics company in the world; its presence is vital for Bahrain, and the only issue of contention is its trucks needing to find other routes to use,” he said.
“The Works Ministry and other concerned government departments need to work urgently with the company on that matter fast to avoid people taking out their frustrations on the poor truck drivers.”
The proposal has now been referred to Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister Wael Al Mubarak to forward to Works Minister Ibrahim Al Hawaj for action.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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