Residents of Jid Al Haj have raised alarm over recurring accidents caused by dangerous mudflats at the Nurana Coast, after a horse was left stranded in a riding accident and had to be rescued using heavy machinery.
The Monday evening incident, which saw the animal sink into the thick mud before being lifted out using a forklift transported to the scene, has reignited community calls for urgent intervention to prevent a potential tragedy.
It is understood that the rider fell clear of the danger and managed to scramble to safety and raise the alarm.
According to residents, the coast’s treacherous muddy soil – described as soft and swamp-like – has long posed a hazard for visitors and fishermen.
With several previous cases reported to municipal authorities, residents say it is only a matter of time before a child or unsuspecting tourist becomes trapped.
“The danger is real and ongoing,” warned Dr Sayed Shubbar Al Wedaie, chairman of the Northern Municipal Council and area councillor.
Dr Al Wedaie ... concern
“What happened to the horse is not an isolated incident – it is part of a recurring problem that has been reported to us many times. We cannot wait for a human life to be lost before we take decisive action.”
Vice-chairman of the Jid Al Haj Charity Society, Ibrahim Khalil, was among those who contacted Dr Al Wedaie after the animal’s ordeal.
Residents, especially those living close to the Nurana Coast, say they fear for their children, who may not recognise the danger and could easily wander into the mud.
“Children, by nature, act spontaneously,” explained Dr Al Wedaie. “They could walk straight into these mudflats without knowing the risk. Once someone sinks, rescuing them is extremely difficult. This is why the fears expressed by residents are valid and must be addressed urgently.”
The council chairman confirmed that the Northern Municipal Council is actively following up on the matter and will escalate the issue to the relevant government authorities.
“We have already raised this with the concerned ministries and will push harder for a clear and practical solution,” Dr Al Wedaie said.
“This is not a problem that can be solved with temporary fixes. We need an engineering and environmental assessment to determine the best way to eliminate or secure the hazardous areas.”
He suggested that immediate steps could include fencing off particularly dangerous sections, placing warning signs, and conducting a technical study on possible land reclamation or soil treatment.
Monday’s rescue, he added, highlighted the scale of the challenge.
“The horse was saved, but only after a forklift had to be brought in from far away,” Dr Al Wedaie said. “If it had been a person – especially a child – the outcome could have been disastrous. The time it takes to respond makes the risk even higher.”
The council has pledged to present an urgent motion to the relevant authorities in hopes of fast-tracking a response.
“Our responsibility as a municipal council is to protect lives and ensure public safety,” Dr Al Wedaie stressed.
“We stand with the residents of Jid Al Haj and all visitors to Nurana Coast in demanding a comprehensive and long-term solution.”
The Northern Municipal Council plans to co-ordinate with the Works Ministry and the relevant environmental authorities to explore both technical and procedural remedies.
“We must find a way to preserve the natural environment of Nurana while eliminating the risk,” Dr Al Wedaie stressed.
“This issue has been raised repeatedly, and the time has come for urgent, serious action. We owe it to the community to prevent any further danger.”
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
&uuid=(email))