Residents of Al Lawzi who were left homeless after a major fire raged through their building in May have started returning to their refurbished homes, three months after the tragedy.
The Housing and Urban Planning Ministry yesterday said all necessary work has been completed to make the building safe and secure for residents, who are being informed that they can move into their apartments.
“Civil Defence officials have thoroughly inspected the blaze-hit building and specialised maintenance, auditing and technical teams have done all the necessary procedures ahead of the anticipated return of the residents,” the ministry said in a statement.
“The ministry would like to extend its thanks and appreciation to all families and households for their patience and co-operation during the past few months.
“We would also like to thank the maintenance and technical teams for the quick and efficient manner in which they evacuated the residents to complete the maintenance work.”
Four people – an elderly couple, their divorced granddaughter and her six-year-old son – suffocated to death in the fire that broke out in the eight-storey residential building on May 12. Around 20 tenants, a number of whom suffered injuries, were rescued as Civil Defence managed to extinguish the flame within nine minutes of receiving the report.
Investigations by prosecutors ruled out criminal intent, and revealed that the fire was caused by an accidental defect and there was no human factor involved.
The ministry added yesterday that maintenance work included replacing all electrical connections in common areas while the ones in individual apartments were checked or replaced if necessary.
“Sealed glass windows in the common areas that couldn’t be opened have been replaced with regular, ventilated glass,” the statement said.
“Electrical insulations and surveillance cameras have been installed on every floor alongside smoke detectors and firefighting systems that meet the standards and requirements set out by Civil Defence officials.
“All damaged walls have been painted and flooring changed.”
The ministry confirmed that specialised teams, in co-ordination with Eskan Properties, will help citizens as they return to their apartments.
Officials have affirmed their keenness to answer all enquiries and provide support within the framework of the maintenance procedures.
The ministry has called on people to adhere to safety instructions and to periodically check the effectiveness of smoke and heat detectors in their buildings.
Citizens and residents have also been urged to avoid placing locks on emergency exits.
“Do not put random storage items on the floor, especially in common areas, as they hinder safe exit during a fire,” the ministry said.
“Avoid placing iron barriers or decorations on windows and periodically inspect wiring and electrical connections.
“Do not enter electrical rooms which should be open only to authorised personnel.”
Meanwhile, the ministry, in co-operation with the Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry, Electricity and Water Authority and Eskan Bank, held inspections at residential buildings across the four governorates to ensure the safety and security of electrical connections.
A total of 207 government buildings were inspected, with numerous violations recorded, and maintenance work being done to rectify the situation. Technical defects have been corrected, without the buildings or residents bearing the cost of repairs.
The GDN earlier reported that seven firefighting vehicles and 48 personnel were required to extinguish the Al Lawzi blaze.
Residents were provided temporary accommodation in Dar Al Karam by the Housing and Urban Planning Ministry and Social Development Ministry after around 52 people were left homeless following the tragedy.
Students affected by the fire were offered educational help and flexible final examination schedules by the Education Ministry.
Following the event, a call for an immediate investigation into the safety of government housing across Bahrain was made by area MP Hanan Fardan who has been bombarded with calls and messages from tenants asking that they be relocated until proper checks are conducted.
nader@gdnmedia.bh
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