A CALL to allocate a large slice of seaside space in Muharraq for members of the public to enjoy ‘for free’ has been made by the council’s leader.
The Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (Btea) is planning multiple tourist attractions on the coastline, which lies on the same stretch as the Coastguard headquarters.
It follows the property being handed over by the Muharraq Municipality for investment purposes. Fishermen currently occupy part of the patch illegally because they complain that they have no space in the nearby Muharraq Jetty.
Projects earlier announced during a meeting of the Muharraq Municipal Council include seafront shops, restaurants, as well private diving and snorkelling facilities.
Council chairman and area councillor Abdulaziz Al Naar believes the tourism proposals should be aborted. “I am not against tourist projects, in fact, I have backed and given the go ahead to several in the Muharraq Governorate,” said Mr Al Naar. “But, when it comes to this piece of land, currently easily accessible by members of the public, I have genuine concerns,” he added.
“The Muharraq coastline is now occupied by Sa’ada Waterfront at its start, then several businesses before this 500-metre stretch, and then the old headquarters of Coastguard, other government property, the new Coastguard headquarters, the Muharraq Jetty, before it reaches to an area set aside for a new planned bridge.
“So where do ordinary residents venture in all of this? Nowhere, it appears, unless they have money to buy an
expensive coffee or set out to sea to catch fish.”
Mr Al Naar says that many local families have companied about having to pay BD5 per person to enjoy a private beach in the Muharraq Governorate that some claim is unaffordable and excludes those on low income.
“Bahrain is an archipelago of islands, Muharraq is one of them, but it doesn’t feel like that anymore,” he added. “Surely people have the right to swim and enjoy a beach without paying a single fils.
“Everyone has seen how seafront tourist developments have blocked certain other coastal areas and we don’t want that happening here. We should not rob people of a natural recreational spot. Once taken it cannot be replicated or returned.”
Mr Al Naar said the council was intending to campaign to keep the coastal patch in question a ‘protected’ area. “We will approach the Cabinet with our requests for this coastal area to remain public property and developed for the public good as a place for people to breathe fresh air freely,” he said.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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