A public parking facility could be established at the site of the former municipal car impound lot in Duraz.
The Northern Municipal Council unanimously approved a proposal by area councillor Bassem Abu Idrees to ease traffic congestion and improve community facilities.
The council’s financial, administrative and legislative committee, chaired by Dr Salman Abdulla, had recommended the approval.
The plot is located in Block 544.
In his presentation during the council’s meeting at its headquarters in Budaiya, Mr Abu Idrees said the proposed parking facility aims to serve a wide range of community needs, as outlined in the project objectives:
1. Supporting visitors to Abu Subh Corniche: Providing organised, convenient parking spaces for visitors to enjoy the recreational waterfront area.
2. Facilitating access to Abu Subh Mosque: Ensuring comfortable and nearby parking for worshippers.
3. Enhancing access to Duraz Fishing Harbour: Creating suitable parking for fishermen and visitors, easing the transportation of fishing gear and catch.
4. Assisting vendors and shoppers: Offering close parking for market-goers and sellers, making loading and unloading easier.
5. Reducing traffic congestion: Alleviating random and illegal parking, which has been a major cause of bottlenecks in the area.
6. Improving the visitor experience: Ensuring that visitors to the corniche, mosque, harbour and market have easy, direct access to their destinations.
7. Enhancing traffic safety: Reducing the risk of accidents caused by improper parking practices.
8. Promoting urban organisation: Efficiently utilising available municipal land, improving the area’s aesthetics and planning.
9. Boosting commercial and tourism activity: Facilitating access to markets and tourist attractions, contributing positively to local economic growth.
“This proposal addresses real needs for Duraz residents and visitors alike,” said Mr Abu Idrees.
“By transforming an unused municipal plot into a functional public parking space, we can relieve congestion, enhance the area’s appeal, and support community activities – all the while making the best use of existing resources.”
The committee, after technical evaluation, confirmed that there were no obstacles to establishing the parking facility at the proposed location.
It noted that the area is surrounded by important community and commercial facilities, and that increasing the number of formal parking spaces would significantly improve traffic flow and public safety.
“The technical team sees this as a valuable and viable project,” said Dr Abdulla.
“Using a part of the municipality’s land for public good like this aligns perfectly with our mission to serve the citizens effectively and enhance municipal services.”
Dr Abdulla also stressed that this project represented a strategic urban development step.
“It is not just about parking. It’s about revitalising public spaces, encouraging better traffic management and supporting the local economy.”
The proposal has been forwarded to the concerned executive authorities for approval and implementation.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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