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Work has commenced to demolish one of two iconic monuments that have been hindering the revamp of roads leading to Bahrain International Airport (BIA).
The 50-year-old Waterfall and Falcon Monuments, situated on opposite directions of Khalifa Al Kabeer Avenue, are set to be removed as part of the third phase of the Airport Road Development Project, paving the way for a new flyover that promises to improve accessibility to the airport and ease traffic congestion.
While the Waterfall Monument is already being bulldozed, the Falcon will be relocated to another location nearby, officials confirmed.
“This is not a decision taken lightly,” said Parliament’s services committee vice-chairman and airport area MP Mohammed Al Olaiwi.
“I’ve received dozens of calls from people praising the move, and from a few others who are upset about the monuments being affected.
My stand is clear – accessibility comes before monuments.”
Mr Al Olaiwi told the GDN that while he understands the emotional value attached to the landmarks, the broader objective is to ensure smoother, safer and faster access to one of Bahrain’s most critical transit hubs.
“That doesn’t mean I am disregarding the significance of both landmarks,” he added.
“As for the Waterfall, a replica could be built – much like the Pottery Monument in A’ali or the Bahrain Map Monument.
“The Falcon is only being shifted – not destroyed.”
He stressed that the political consensus was clear – Bahrain’s airport gateway must be modernised, even if it comes at the cost of cherished monuments.
The Waterfall monument being demolished
“This is all part of a grander vision to reshape our national infrastructure,” added Mr Al Olaiwi. “It is not just about roads, it’s about connecting Bahrain to the world, efficiently and safely.”
The project received a unanimous green light from the Muharraq Municipal Council in December last year.
Council chairman Abdulaziz Al Naar confirmed the Works Ministry, led by Minister Ibrahim Al Hawaj, is now tasked with executing the demolition and redevelopment plan.
“These structures are made of stone and could be replaced with others resembling them in the future,” said Mr Al Naar.
The Waterfall monument
“The cost of relocating the monuments was too high, so we collectively decided to have one of them bulldozed. Sometimes, the greater good must prevail.”
Mr Al Hawaj outlined a comprehensive set of projects that will reshape the traffic infrastructure leading to the airport.
The Waterfall monument being demolished
It includes construction of a left-turn flyover at the Falcon junction, reclamation work around Arad Bay, with a new culvert replacing the existing one, a new temporary signalised junction from Khalifa Al Kabeer Avenue onto Arad Highway, pedestrian ramps, storm drainage, safety and noise barriers, utility diversions, landscaping, street lighting and road markings.
The Arad Highway is set to become an oval-shaped, free-flowing corridor with the removal of traffic lights from the airport direction to Arad – similar to upgrades made on Al Fateh Highway.
According to Mr Al Hawaj, the Falcon flyover will directly connect drivers to the airport’s departures terminal, eliminating the need for a time-consuming U-turn via Arad Bay.
Phase four will link Muharraq Ring Road to the Airport Highway through the development of Avenue 20, between the airport and Busaiteen. The first and second phases, already completed, have included major improvements to internal road networks, traffic signal upgrades and the introduction of one-way systems to streamline movement.
An artist’s impression of the new roadworks
Councillor Abdulqader Al Sayed, chairman of the Muharraq Municipal Council’s services and public utilities committee and representative of the airport area, also supported the decision, stating that the move was ‘a necessary sacrifice’.
“It is never easy to say goodbye to landmarks, but this development has been delayed long enough,” said Mr Al Sayed.
“We have to think of the future – and that future means better infrastructure for our residents and for Bahrain’s visitors.”
Meanwhile, Arad councillor and chairman of the council’s financial, administrative and legislative committee Ahmed Al Meghawi expressed his emotions on Instagram, posting a video of bulldozers tearing down the Waterfall Monument with a broken heart emoji, highlighting the personal attachment many feel towards the site.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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