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Students across Muharraq could soon be shielded from the blazing sun and heavy rain while waiting outside their schools, following a unanimous decision by the Muharraq Municipal Council to instal external umbrellas and shading structures in school waiting areas.
The proposal, put forward by the council’s services and public utilities committee chairman Abdulqader Al Sayed, aims to enhance comfort and safety of students who often wait outdoors for long periods before and after school hours.
“Installing shading in front of schools is not a luxury – it’s a necessity,” said Mr Al Sayed. “Our children deserve safe and comfortable spaces while they wait for their families, protected from both the scorching summer heat and the rain during winter.”
The approved measure will see the installation of durable, weather-resistant umbrellas and shaded canopies at the entrances of government schools across Muharraq Governorate.
The initiative revisits a similar plan discussed in 2016 to provide shaded and ventilated waiting areas for students, but which was never fully implemented.
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Mr Al Sayed
Mr Al Sayed, who represents constituency three (Bahrain International Airport area), said the renewed proposal was based on growing concerns from parents and school administrations.
“Parents have repeatedly raised this issue, especially during the hotter months,” he explained.
“In some cases, students have had to stand under direct sunlight for 15 to 20 minutes while waiting for their rides. This is unacceptable. The council’s decision sends a strong message – student welfare comes first.”
Mr Al Sayed noted that the project aligns with Bahrain’s broader vision of creating safe, student-friendly school environments.
“This initiative complements national efforts to enhance educational facilities and protect our youth,” he said. “As municipal representatives, we must think beyond roads and buildings – we must think about the people who use them, especially our children.”
With the proposal now officially approved, the council hopes to begin implementation in the coming months.
Council vice-chairman Saleh Buhazaa praised the initiative, describing it as a practical and people-focused project that improves life for families in Muharraq.
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Mr Buhazaa
“This is one of those simple yet impactful projects that truly makes a difference,” said Mr Buhazaa.
“When we talk about community service, we’re talking about initiatives like this – ones that touch people’s lives in visible and meaningful ways. Protecting children from heat and rain is part of our duty to ensure safe and welcoming school environments.”
Mr Buhazaa added that the council’s unanimous vote reflected a shared commitment to the wellbeing of young residents and highlighted the importance of collaboration between local and national authorities.
“We are working hand in hand with the Ministries of Works and Education to ensure this project moves forward quickly,” he said. “Our goal is to have these umbrellas installed in all government schools in Muharraq as soon as possible.”
Under the plan, the council will co-ordinate with the relevant ministries to determine appropriate designs and materials for the shading structures, ensuring they meet safety standards and withstand the kingdom’s variable weather conditions.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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