A proposal to lower pavements across several neighbourhoods in the Northern Governorate – aimed at creating additional parking spaces and ending long-standing disputes among residents – was unanimously approved yesterday by the Northern Municipal Council.
The proposal was initially intended for Ramli District’s congested Blocks 715 and 716, where families have long complained of insufficient parking spaces, forcing some to resort to installing unauthorised concrete barriers to reserve spots.
However, during deliberations, councillors highlighted that families in Hamad Town and areas along the Budaiya Highway faced similar, if not worse, parking challenges.
Councillors therefore voted unanimously to broaden the proposal to serve all affected communities. Councillor Abdulla Ashoor, who led the move, said the parking crisis has escalated into a social problem requiring an immediate government response.
“People are desperate for relief – this is not just an inconvenience anymore,” said Mr Ashoor. “Families are fighting over parking spaces, neighbours are clashing, and some are risking fines because they have no choice but to park on sidewalks. Lowering pavements is a simple, fast and affordable solution.”
He noted that previous requests submitted to the Works Ministry were repeatedly met with ‘under study’ responses despite the urgency. It is understood that it has raised concerns over the safety of pedestrians.
“This is a people’s issue,” Mr Ashoor added. “The community has spoken, and now it is time for action.”
Supporting the proposal, Councillor Abdulla Al Qobaisi claimed that the situation was aggravated by the long waiting period for government homes. “A family waits 20 years or more to receive a social home, and by the time they move in, three generations are living together,” he explained. “Naturally, there are four, five, or even six cars, per household. The infrastructure simply cannot handle this reality.”
He said lowering pavements would not only increase parking capacity but also reduce tension amongst neighbours.
The council’s technical committee chairman Councillor Jassim Hejres welcomed the expansion of the proposal to include more areas.
“We must be realistic,” he said. “This is not a Ramli-only issue – Hamad Town, Budaiya and other areas are suffering the same fate. Residents have waited long enough and this proposal offers a practical, immediate solution.”
Councillor Mohammed Al Dossary echoed the sentiment, saying the project must be executed without delay. “Every day that passes, residents grow more frustrated,” he added.
“Lowering pavements is not expensive and, in my opinion, it will reduce minor accidents caused by overcrowded streets.”
The council has formally forwarded its recommendation to Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister Wael Al Mubarak to refer the matter to Works Minister Ibrahim Al Hawaj for technical review and possible implementation.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
&uuid=(email))