AN agricultural area in Jid Al Haj could see its classification changed for religious purposes, if councillors have their way.
The Northern Municipal Council unanimously recommended the reclassification of a plot of land in Jid Al Haj from agricultural use (AG) to religious services (CSR), paving the way for major community developments including the expansion of a local ma’atam (religious congregation hall) and mosque facilities.
The request to reclassify land parcel number 04010535, located in Block 514, was submitted by the council’s chairman and area councillor Dr Sayed Shubbar Al Wedaie.
In a detailed report, the council’s technical committee outlined several compelling reasons supporting the reclassification.
Mr Hejres
“An inspection has confirmed that the land in question is barren with no visible signs of cultivation or irrigation,” said committee chairman Jassim Hejres.
“It is surrounded by residential homes and the classification as agricultural land no longer reflects the reality on the ground.”
He added that the religious endowment status documentation provided by the administrators of Ma’atam Jid Al Haj confirmed that the plot was registered as waqf (religious endowment) in favour of the congregation.
“As per the endowment deed, the land is intended for religious purposes,” noted Mr Hejres.
“The current agricultural zoning contradicts the endowment’s terms and hinders our ability to develop critical religious infrastructure.”
Mr Hejres stressed the demand reflected strategic religious and social needs.
“While we’ve rejected some proposals in the past to protect agricultural resources, this case is different,” he explained.
“The land has no agricultural activity and is already designated for religious use, which holds immense community value.”
Jid Al Haj ... call for religious facilities
Meanwhile, Dr Al Wedaie highlighted that the area has undergone rapid urbanisation, including the transformation of formerly agricultural lands into residential zones.
“Villages along Al Nakheel Highway, such as Karannah, Janusan and Barbar, have already seen a shift from farms to housing blocks,” he said.
“Examples include Blocks 460 in Karannah, 508 in Janusan, and 518 through 530 in Barbar.
“We are calling for the urgent reclassification of plot 04010535 to allow the expansion of the Jid Al Haj Ma’atam for men, the construction of the Imam Ali Mosque, and a new women’s ma’atam.
“This project will address the pressing religious and social needs of the growing community.”
The proposal has been forwarded to Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister Wael Al Mubarak to refer to Housing and Urban Planning Minister Amna Al Romaihi for review.
“If approved, the move is expected to bolster religious services in the area and reflect Bahrain’s ongoing efforts to adapt zoning laws to community realities,” said Dr Al Wedaie.
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