A proposal to make it mandatory for homeowners to instal proper drainage outlets in residential garages has won unanimous backing at the Northern Municipal Council, after repeated complaints about wash water flowing onto streets and pavements.
The idea, submitted by councillor Bassem Abdu Idrees (Constituency Two), has now been referred to Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister Wael Al Mubarak, for review following yesterday’s meeting.
Mr Abdu Idrees said the proposal was driven by growing public complaints and visible deterioration in cleanliness and road conditions in neighbourhoods.
“We constantly see water from car washing and household cleaning being discharged from garages directly onto public streets. This distorts the urban appearance of residential areas and creates unnecessary hazards,” he said.
He alleged that the lack of clear regulatory requirements has enabled such practices to proliferate, with residents allowing water to flow onto public roads instead of connecting their outlets to proper drainage systems.
“This is not just a cleanliness issue. It is also a matter of public safety, infrastructure protection and environmental responsibility,” Mr Abdu Idrees added.
According to the proposal’s objectives, uncontrolled water discharge leads to slippery pavements, posing risks particularly to children, the elderly and pedestrians. It also contributes to the gradual damage of asphalt layers and road infrastructure due to continuous seepage.
Councillors say they have been receiving complaints from residents about stagnant water accumulating in front of homes, often accompanied by foul odours and potential contaminants.
Northern Municipal Council technical committee chairman councillor Jassim Hejres said the issue has both municipal and environmental implications that can no longer be ignored.
“The continued random discharge of water from garages is inconsistent with basic public hygiene standards and environmental safety requirements,” Mr Hejres said. “We need an organised and sustainable solution that aligns with municipal and environmental regulations.”
He noted that poor drainage practices also place unnecessary pressure on existing sewage and rainwater networks, while contributing to water waste.
“Regulating this process will help preserve the efficiency of approved drainage networks and reduce future maintenance costs for roads and infrastructure,” he added.
The proposal calls for obligating homeowners and residential units to instal designated water drainage outlets within garages, connected to approved drainage systems, in line with municipal and environmental requirements.
“We are looking for a preventive solution. Instead of dealing with complaints after damage occurs, we want a rule that prevents the problem from happening in the first place,” Mr Abdu Idrees said.
He stressed that the proposal is intended to create a long-term, practical solution that protects neighbourhoods from repeated problems caused by unregulated water discharge.
“This is about maintaining the urban image of our residential areas and protecting public spaces from avoidable misuse,” he said.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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