A proposal to replace planks with bricks or cinder blocks to fill in the entry and exit points of abandoned and dilapidated buildings across Old Muharraq has been approved unanimously by the Muharraq Municipal Council, in a move aimed at curbing trespassing and the misuse of vacant properties for illegal and immoral activities.
The recommendation was put forward by the council’s services and public utilities committee chairman councillor Abdulqader Al Sayed.
Under the proposal, temporary wooden panels currently used to seal off unsafe buildings would be replaced with solid brick closures, making it significantly harder for unauthorised individuals to reopen or access the properties.
Mr Al Sayed said the existing approach had repeatedly failed. “Wooden boards are easily removed, which allows abandoned buildings to be reopened and misused,” he said. “This has led to repeated complaints from residents about trespassing and activities that violate the law and public morals.”
He stressed that the proposal was driven by public safety and community protection, particularly in older neighbourhoods.
“These structures are often unsafe and attract unlawful behaviour,” Mr Al Sayed said. “By securing them properly with bricks, we can prevent misuse and protect nearby residents.
“This is about safeguarding neighbourhoods and upholding the law.
“Our communities deserve to feel safe, and this proposal is a step in that direction.”
The proposal also gained strong support from the council’s technical committee chairman Mohammed Al Mahmood, who described the move as a practical and long-overdue solution.
“This is a technical and preventive measure that addresses a real problem on the ground,” Mr Al Mahmood said. “Brick closures are more durable, more secure and require less repeated intervention than wooden planks.”
He added that the proposal would reduce the burden on municipal teams who are frequently called to reseal the same buildings after wooden panels are removed.
“From an operational perspective, this will save time, resources and public money in the long run,” he said.
Council documents note that abandoned buildings sealed with wooden panels are frequently reopened, exposing them to vandalism and illegal use, and posing safety risks to passers-by.
The recommendation explicitly aims to prevent the use of vacant buildings for purposes that contravene the law or public morals, while also improving the overall appearance and safety of residential areas in Muharraq Governorate.
Following unanimous approval, the proposal has been formally referred to Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister Wael Al Mubarak for review and implementation.
Municipal councillors said the measure would apply to abandoned and dilapidated properties identified as posing a risk, particularly in densely populated or historic areas of Old Muharraq.
Residents in the area have long complained about unsecured empty homes becoming hotspots for trespassing and other illicit activity, especially at night.
Council members expressed hope that the move would mark a move towards more permanent solutions for long-standing urban issues, rather than short-term fixes.
“If approved by the ministry, implementation would be co-ordinated with relevant municipal and technical departments, with priority given to high-risk locations,” said Mr Al Mahmood.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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