Pavement cracks, wobbly shelves and drooping ceilings are concerning residents of a new social housing apartment development and politicians are calling for an investigation into the causes.
The alert surrounds blocks in Luzi, near Hamad Town, and it has been raised by five MPs, led by area MP Dr Abdulhakim Al Sheno.
They have urged for an immediate technical investigation and swift intervention if needed to ensure the buildings remain safe and stable.
Concerns escalated after recent rainfall reportedly exposed old underground irrigation tunnels beneath the housing complex in Block 1016.
“We don’t want to go into lengthy discussions about how these tunnels exist or why they were not removed or filled in when construction on the multi-storey apartment buildings was carried out,” said Dr Al Sheno.
“A number of local people have investigated and even gone inside the tunnels. There are videos circulating that clearly show that they appear to be deep and extend for a long distance.”
According to Dr Al Sheno, alarmed residents have reported visible changes to their homes, including floors of their ‘dream homes’ appearing to show signs of tilting.
“We urged for an immediate investigation,” he added.
Backing the MPs’ demands, Northern Municipal Council technical committee chairman and area councillor Jassim Hejres said the situation required urgent professional assessment.
“This is not a matter that can be treated lightly or with any delay,” said Mr Hejres. “When there are signs of structural movement in residential buildings, especially multi-storey apartments, engineers and specialists must step in immediately.”
He stressed that residents’ safety should be the overriding priority, calling for comprehensive soil testing, structural assessments and a review of construction standards followed during the build.
“People are living there with their families,” he said. “They deserve clear answers and decisive action to ensure that their homes are safe and stable.”
MPs are now pressing relevant ministries and authorities to conduct on-site inspections, assess the impact of underground cavities and take emergency stabilisation measures if required.
They also want accountability if negligence of oversight failures are identified during any investigation.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
&uuid=(email))