A last-minute push is being made to secure funding for a very popular lights installation along the December 16 Highway near the Education District.
The iconic, colourful and visually stunning attraction, in the shape of a corridor, is a hallmark of Bahrain’s National Day celebrations, drawing thousands of visitors every year.
However, a financial crunch has cast doubts over the installation this year.
The total budget allocated for this year’s National Day celebrations stands at BD23,000, Southern Municipal Council members heard during their meeting yesterday.
This sum has been divided across various areas in the Southern Governorate, leaving limited funds for individual projects.
The lights installation alone costs an estimated BD10,000.
Southern Municipality director-general Isa Al Buainain emphasised that the governorate, encompassing regions such as Riffa, Isa Town and Zallaq, is in dire need of festive decorations and lighting.
Council chairman Abdulla Abdullatif expressed frustration over the belated disclosure of the shortfall.
“Hiding such information until just a few days before National Day is unacceptable,” he said.
“Had this issue been brought to our attention earlier, we could have co-ordinated with sponsors to resolve it in time.
“Now, we are racing against the clock to preserve a beloved tradition that means so much to the community.”
Councillors have appealed to sponsors and community stakeholders to help bridge the financial gap.
“The installation has historically drawn large crowds to Isa Town,” said the council’s technical committee chairman and area councillor Mubarak Faraj.
“Its absence this year would be a significant loss to the festive atmosphere, as well as to the cultural and social fabric of the celebrations,” he added.
“It has become a focal point for artistic expression and photography, cementing its status as a cultural landmark.”
Councillors remain optimistic.
“We hope that sponsors will see the value in keeping this tradition alive for the people of Bahrain,” said Mr Faraj.
With only days remaining, the success of the councillors’ appeal will determine whether the iconic lights installation will once again illuminate Isa Town and bring joy to the thousands who celebrate National Day.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
Top stories for today:
Last-minute push to save iconic National Day lights installation
Top club displays sign of the times
Tamkeen support for sports sector urged
&uuid=(email))