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A CALL to scrap plans to cordon off a key stretch of Muharraq’s coastline has been made by councillors, amid growing public concern that the area’s last remaining seafront accessible to residents could soon disappear.
Muharraq Municipal Council chairman Abdulaziz Al Naar led a field visit to the site yesterday, accompanied by the GDN, where he voiced strong opposition to the proposal.
Under the current plan, two museums are set to be built on the waterfront – one for the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (Baca) and another for the Interior Ministry.
Mr Al Naar leads calls for public access
However, Mr Al Naar warned that the move would deprive Muharraq residents of their last open access to the sea. “That’s the only remaining part available where people can enjoy the sea without having to pay for a coffee or meal to cover the costs of going through,” he told the GDN. “Other parts of the coast are blocked by businesses and companies that prevent people from enjoying the sea.”
He added that the planned development would effectively erase the island’s few public spaces that connect residents to the water.
The already cordoned coast
“Now, the whole coastline will be gone, with the nearest accessible spot being the Dry Dock area in Hidd – if we can even consider it a proper beach!” he said. According to Mr Al Naar, alternative locations are readily available for both entities to house their museums, without encroaching on public seafront areas.
“Baca has other spaces they can use for their planned museum,” he explained. “And the Coastguard have just moved to a new building adjacent to their old headquarters, which is now empty and can easily be converted into a museum – so why insist on taking this space?”
Mr Al Naar, who also serves as the area councillor, noted that part of the site is currently being used informally by local fishermen as a small jetty. He stressed that while fishermen could be relocated if necessary, the broader issue is preserving public access to the coastline for all residents.
“We want a public coastline,” he said firmly. “Imagine, in the whole of Muharraq island, we have no free locations. Every stretch of the coast is commercialised or restricted.”
The view of Manama from the remaining open spaceThe view of Manama from the remaining open space
The council chairman called on the authorities to reassess development priorities to strike a balance between cultural projects and the community’s right to enjoy the island’s natural assets.
He also expressed concern that continued privatisation of the coastline could erode Muharraq’s identity as a historic maritime city.
“Muharraq’s people have always lived by the sea – it’s part of our heritage and lifestyle,” he said. “Turning every remaining open space into a project or private property goes against that spirit.”
Council members are expected to raise the matter formally with Baca and the Interior Ministry to identify alternative locations that preserve both development goals and public interests.
The public coastline ... a sanctuary for birds
Mr Al Naar emphasised that the issue is not opposition to the museums themselves, but to their proposed placement on the last free stretch of waterfront.
“We support cultural and heritage projects, of course,” he said. “But, they should not come at the expense of the public’s right to the sea. There must be a balance between development and community space.”
The council is also expected to submit a formal recommendation urging authorities to maintain at least one open, publicly accessible coastal area on the island for families and residents to enjoy.
As the debate continues, residents and councillors alike are calling for a reconsideration of the plan – and for the preservation of what many see as Muharraq’s last remaining window to the sea.
Both Baca and the ministry have been invited to comment on the controversy.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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