Councillors have sought clarity on the eligibility criteria for rain compensation following complaints that applications from many people whose vehicles were damaged in the deluge last month had been rejected.
Bahrain witnessed its second heaviest rainfall since records began, with an average rainfall of 67.6mm recorded on April 15 and 16.
The Muharraq Municipal Council has unanimously approved a proposal by Mohammed Al Meghawi who said that the Works Ministry was obliged to compensate everyone whose vehicle was damaged due to the rainwater, irrespective of where the vehicle was parked at the time of the incident.
Mr Al Meghawi
According to the ministry’s damage assessment committee, “Applications will be accepted for those affected by rainwater accumulated in the areas surrounding the house or due to a defect in the ministry’s sewage networks.”
“How can this condition not apply to someone whose vehicle was damaged when he was out and about,” said Mr Al Meghawi.
“It passes on a street that is supposed to be equipped with the proper infrastructure, especially when we are talking about areas where the problem is repeated year after year.
“But, the Works Ministry deals with the issue as if it is happening for the first time.”
The councillor also questioned why work in offices and companies were not suspended, if the compensations wouldn’t include people who were carrying out their duties and responsibilities and whose vehicles were parked away from their homes.
He cited the case of a family whose car broke down while they were returning from burying their father.
“There was no way for them to return home except through a street known to flood during the rains.
“Should the family have contacted the ministry to return them to their home by boat?”
Another case involved a doctor who had to go to his workplace where operations were scheduled on the two days of heavy rain.
“His car stalled and his work was disrupted.
“In another instance, a driving instructor had to leave because his trainee had a driving exam but his car broke down in the rainwater surrounding his residential area.
“There are dozens of similar stories,” said Mr Al Meghawi, adding that any accumulation of rain in any of the streets and roads is considered a deficiency in the rainwater drainage system.
“The responsible authorities must be truly responsible for this failure.
“They shouldn’t leave citizens in distress over their stalled vehicles which they depend on for their livelihood and to meet their needs.”
The proposal has been referred to Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister Wael Al Mubarak to forward to Works Minister Ibrahim Al Hawaj for review.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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