A proposal to replace wooden boards with bricks to seal abandoned and dilapidated buildings in Muharraq has sparked discussion between the Muharraq Municipal Council and the Municipality, with officials clarifying the limits of municipal authority and the responsibilities of property owners.
The issue resurfaced during a council meeting after the municipality responded to a council inquiry about the feasibility of permanently closing unsafe buildings using brick walls instead of temporary wooden panels.
Muharraq Municipality director-general Khalid Al Qallaf explained in an official response that the municipality does not have the legal authority to independently close abandoned buildings.
“We would like to inform the council that the authority to close abandoned buildings does not fall under the municipality’s jurisdiction,” Mr Al Qallaf said.
However, he clarified that co-ordination takes place with security authorities when concerns arise about activities inside such properties.
“Security authorities co-ordinate with the municipality in response to reports received from residents or municipal council members regarding activities that may take place inside these buildings,” Mr Al Qallaf said. “This co-ordination enables the municipality to take the necessary measures to close the buildings using the available materials.”
He added that the legal responsibility for the condition of such buildings ultimately lies with their owners.
“We would also like to point out that the property owner is legally responsible for the property and any obligations related to it,” he said.
Council members raised concerns in their proposal that wooden panels were often easily removed or damaged, as reported earlier in the GDN, allowing trespassers to enter abandoned structures, posing safety and security risks to neighbouring residents.
Council chairman Abdulaziz Al Naar told the meeting that councillors were seeking a more durable solution to deal with unsafe properties in residential areas.
“The proposal came as part of our efforts to address complaints from residents about abandoned and dilapidated buildings,” Mr Al Naar said. “Many of these properties are currently sealed with wooden panels that can be easily broken or removed, which creates security concerns and allows unwanted activities to take place inside.”
He added that the council would continue co-ordinating with the municipality and other relevant authorities to find a practical solution.
“Our goal is to ensure that these buildings do not become a danger to the community,” Mr Al Naar said. “We will continue discussing the matter with the municipality and the concerned authorities to determine the most effective mechanisms to deal with such properties.”
The discussion forms part of wider municipal efforts to address neglected properties in Muharraq, particularly in older neighbourhoods where abandoned houses can pose structural risks, attract illegal activities and become public health concerns.
Officials say co-operation between municipal authorities, security agencies and property owners remains essential to effectively manage the issue and ensure the safety of surrounding communities.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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