.jpg?20260321')
Workers were found to be living in ‘shocking and dangerous conditions’ as municipal officials inspected an unlicensed labour accommodation in Jid Al Haj yesterday.
The dilapidated house appeared to be ‘on the verge of collapse’, while inspectors also found illegal electrical wiring and a makeshift kitchen lacking basic health and safety measures that posed a grave risk to tenants.
The Northern Municipal Council held the joint raid in response to mounting complaints from residents of the area, who signed a petition calling on the council to take urgent action.
According to councillors, residents expressed fears over public safety and social cohesion, particularly owing to the labour camp’s proximity to family homes and a women’s religious centre (ma’atam).
The inspection was spearheaded by Northern Municipal Council chairman and area councillor Dr Sayed Shubbar Al Wedaie with participation from multiple government entities, including the Northern Governorate, Northern Municipality, Northern Police Directorate, Civil Defence, Supreme Council for Environment, Electricity and Water Authority, and representatives from Jid Al Haj Charity Society and the local community.
“What we saw today is deeply troubling,” said Dr Al Wedaie.
“The state of this building, and the fact that people are living in it, poses a clear danger to the residents, their neighbours and the broader community,” he added.
“This is unacceptable and we will not tolerate such violations in our governorate.”
Inspectors were alarmed by the condition of the building as it was found to be structurally unsound and unfit for human habitation. It was home to numerous migrant labourers ‘living in substandard conditions’.
Among the violations identified were:
- Illegal electrical wiring and unsafe gas cylinder storage.
- A makeshift kitchen lacking basic health and safety measures, posing a serious fire risk.
- Improper subdivision of rooms and common areas, in violation of municipal codes.
- Severe breaches of hygiene and environmental standards.
Dr Al Wedaie said the conditions were ‘unacceptable’ and had to be addressed urgently. He stressed the council’s duty to safeguard public welfare.
“The council is fully committed to protecting the social and physical environment of our communities,” he said.
“We take the concerns of residents very seriously and we will take all necessary steps to address this situation swiftly.”
All participating agencies agreed that the current
state of the labour housing posed a serious threat to safety and public health.
In light of the findings, the institutions pledged to prepare detailed technical and procedural reports to assess the case and outline concrete enforcement actions. The aim is to develop a unified regulatory response, including potential legal measures, fines and immediate relocation of the labourers from the unsafe site.
“We are co-ordinating with all relevant government bodies to develop a comprehensive plan to deal with this violation,” Dr Al Wedaie added. “The safety of our neighbourhoods is not up for negotiation.”
Local residents expressed relief that their concerns were being addressed, but also called for long-term solutions to prevent illegal labour camps from mushrooming in residential areas.
“We want our children to grow up in a safe environment,” said Dr Al Wedaie.
“This building is not just an eyesore, it’s a danger to everyone around it.
“Our firm stance and co-ordinated response signal a broader effort to regulate labour housing and ensure compliance with safety standards.
“As Bahrain continues to urbanise and grow, we are under increasing pressure to balance development with social stability and community well-being.
“The situation in Jid Al Haj could prove a turning point in how such housing issues are handled moving forward.”
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
&uuid=(email))