An official multi-agency committee could be urgently established to monitor dilapidated buildings considered to be at risk of collapse across Bahrain.
Members unanimously approved an urgent proposal by five MPs led by Strategic Thinking Bloc acting president Khalid Bu Onk.
The legislator yesterday highlighted the recent collapse of an old two-storey building in Arad, which housed shops and labourers’ accommodation, following a gas leakage that led to an explosion.
The incident resulted in the deaths of two men, while two others were pulled from the rubble alive, and four more sustained injuries. He believes the dilapidated state of the property did not help matters.
Mr Bu Onk stressed the urgency of addressing the issue of dilapidated properties, pointing out that lives are at stake. “This is not just about infrastructure; it’s about human lives,” he said during yesterday’s weekly session.
The proposed government committee would consist of multiple stakeholders, including representatives from the Works Ministry, the Housing and Urban Planning Ministry, the Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry, the Capital Trustees Board and municipal councils, as well as safety experts from the Interior Ministry’s Civil Defence.
The committee’s mandate would be to identify buildings considered to be of ‘high risk’, enforce necessary repairs and take preventive measures before disasters occur.
Mr Bu Onk further highlighted the importance of stricter inspections and timely intervention. “We need a systematic approach to inspecting old and structurally weak buildings,” he added.
“Many of these properties are occupied by workers and families who may not have the confidence to report safety concerns. A dedicated committee will ensure accountability and immediate action.”
The MPs behind the proposal are urging the government to treat this matter as a priority and implement immediate measures.
The proposal will now be reviewed by the Cabinet, and if approved, it could pave the way for stronger building safety regulations and enhanced oversight mechanisms across the country.
Meanwhile, Parliament also unanimously approved another urgent proposal by five MPs led by Mr Bu Onk to find solutions for 57 families taking up social homes in ‘Dair Gardens’ from a private developer and referred it to the Cabinet for review.
“The bank accounts of the 57 have been frozen as the developer is seeking alleged payments of around BD300,000 from the Eskan (Housing) Bank,” said Mr Bu Onk. “The developer has lost a court case against the Housing and Urban Planning Ministry demanding the remaining amounts for the purchase of the property and in retaliation filed a counter case against tenants whose bank accounts have been frozen since last month,” he added.
“There has to be an immediate solution to resolve the ordeal of those families, who can’t take money to pay for their basic needs and upcoming Ramadan expenses.”
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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