PLANS for a dedicated walking and jogging path in A’ali have stalled, with authorities citing technical issues at the proposed location despite an initial green light.
The project, which aims to develop a professional pedestrian track in a rapidly urbanising area, had previously received support from the Northern Municipal Council and was granted a no-objection approval by the government.
However, the Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry has since informed the council that recent field inspections uncovered several complications that may prevent the project from proceeding at the proposed location.
In a letter to the council, Municipal Affairs Under-Secretary Shaikh Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Khalifa explained that while the project initially appeared feasible on paper, the on-site situation presented technical challenges.
Shaikh Mohammed
“We wish to inform the council that the site was visited and the existing conditions were studied in detail to assess its compatibility with the proposed project,” he said.
“Although the location appeared suitable in principle, the field inspection revealed conflicts with existing infrastructure and services in the area.”
According to the ministry’s technical assessment, part of the land proposed for the walkway currently functions as a drainage channel used to divert rainwater from Shaikh Khalifa Bin Salman Highway. Officials warned that this drainage function represents a critical engineering constraint.
“A portion of the site is used as a water channel for draining rainwater from Shaikh Khalifa Bin Salman Highway,” Shaikh Mohammed said.
“This technical reality creates an obstacle that prevents the implementation of the project in the proposed location in its current form.”
The proposal aimed to establish a dedicated walkway and jogging track along Road 4273 in Block 742 – a newly developed residential area where residents have sought safe spaces for outdoor exercise.
Despite the technical concerns, many residents have already begun using the stretch informally for walking and jogging, particularly during the cooler evening hours.
Area councillor Abdulla Ashoor said the community remained keen to see the project realised and believed adjustments could allow it to move forward.
Mr Ashoor
“Residents in this newly urbanised part of A’ali have already been using the site informally as a walking path,” he said.
“The demand is clearly there, and people are eager for a properly designed walkway that ensures safety and comfort.”
Mr Ashoor acknowledged the ministry’s technical concerns, but stressed that solutions could still be explored.
“The observations raised by the ministry are important, particularly regarding drainage infrastructure,” he said. “However, the project could still move forward if adjustments are made to align the design with the existing services and engineering requirements at the site.”
He added that the council remained committed to working with the ministry and relevant authorities to explore alternatives or modifications.
“Our priority is to create safe and accessible public spaces for residents,” he said. “If the design can be adapted to avoid the drainage channel and protect existing infrastructure, there is still a strong possibility that the project can be implemented.”
Urban expansion in A’ali has accelerated in recent years, increasing demand for recreational infrastructure such as parks, walkways and cycling paths. Councillors say providing such facilities is essential to improving quality of life in newly developed neighbourhoods and encouraging healthier lifestyles among residents.
For now, however, the proposed walkway remains on hold. A’ali was the first area in the Northern Governorate to be recognised as a Healthy City by the World Health Organisation.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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