As Bahrain prepares for the upcoming rainy season, the government has launched a nationwide action plan to address potential flooding risks in both urban and residential areas.
The Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry has issued tenders for water tankers and pumps specifically for inner neighbourhoods, while the Works Ministry will handle drainage work on major highways, avenues and roads.
The preparations were discussed during yesterday’s meeting of the Joint Co-operation Committee, which brings together the Capital Trustees Board, the municipal councils and key government entities.
The session was chaired by Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister Wael Al Mubarak.
“It is essential to continue strengthening co-operation between government entities and municipal councils to implement service projects that meet national development goals,” he said.
“We aim to work in an integrated framework to ensure the effective implementation of plans and services.”
He emphasised the importance of involving municipal councils in project planning and decision-making, encouraging the adoption of innovative initiatives and the active discussion of proposals with relevant authorities to serve the public interest.
Capital Trustees Board chairman Saleh Tarradah affirmed that preparations were progressing steadily and that a clear action plan was in place.
“We are seeing real readiness across the board,” he said.
“Flooding remains a concern in older neighbourhoods like Old Manama, Tubli, Sitra and Sanad, and these have been clearly identified and prioritised in our mitigation list.”
He explained that while newly developed housing areas are built to be waterproof, issues can still arise due to sloped terrain and surface water runoff.
“Topography is a factor,” he noted.
Mr Al Mubarak
“We are addressing those concerns urgently through engineering solutions and temporary drainage measures where permanent systems are still being implemented.”
Mr Tarradah highlighted the crucial role of the committee in fostering co-ordination, stating that regular meetings help push forward municipal service development and create efficient mechanisms for communication and project execution.
“This committee offers municipal councils a platform to present their ideas and collaborate directly with government authorities,” he added.
“This synergy leads to strategic decisions and integrated project delivery that benefit the community as a whole.”
Muharraq Municipal Council chairman Abdulaziz Al Naar also weighed in on the challenges facing coastal communities.
“We continue to face drainage issues in areas such as Arad, Old Muharraq, Busaiteen, Samaheej and Dair,” he said.
“The main problem is blocked or inadequate sea drainage passages, which prevent proper runoff during heavy rains.”
While Muharraq is relatively better connected to the sea for drainage, he pointed out that the Northern and Southern Governorates face more complex challenges due to limited access to marine drainage outlets.
“These areas are more prone to inland flooding because they don’t have sufficient natural discharge points,” he explained.
“A comprehensive long-term drainage plan is being developed to tackle this issue with support from all relevant agencies.”
During the meeting, officials also discussed proposed amendments to the executive regulations of the Building Regulation Law and reviewed a draft resolution for managing operations in public and traditional markets.
Updates on infrastructure projects in the Northern Governorate and progress on detailed land planning were also presented, alongside developments in the East Sitra housing project.
“The government’s multifaceted response to the rainy season demonstrates an ongoing commitment to proactive planning, inter-agency co-ordination, and community-level problem-solving – ensuring both immediate preparedness and long-term infrastructure resilience across Bahrain,” said Mr Al Naar.
The nation witnessed heavy downpour in April and May last year, registering an average rainfall of 67.6mm on April 15 and 16 – the second heaviest showers since records began in the kingdom.
Additionally, sea levels are expected to rise by up to 60cm by the end of the century, further threatening the nation’s coastal areas.
The meeting was also attended by Northern Municipal Council chairman Dr Sayed Shubbar Al Wedaie, but Southern Municipal Council chairman Abdulla Abdullatif was absent as he is in hospital.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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