Isa Town, Bahrain’s oldest social housing area, may soon see a major infrastructure upgrade, after the Southern Municipal Council approved plans to redevelop one of its ageing neighbourhoods.
Block 810, located in the Southern Governorate constituency one, has been identified as a priority area following repeated complaints from residents about deteriorating roads, poor drainage and inadequate lighting.
The comprehensive proposal, submitted by area councillor Abdulla Darraj, was unanimously approved by councillors yesterday.
It calls for a complete overhaul of the internal road network, including resurfacing streets with new asphalt, paving sidewalks with interlocking pavers, upgrading street lighting and constructing an effective stormwater drainage network to prevent flooding that obstructs traffic during rainy periods.
The plan has now been referred to Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister Wael Al Mubarak for implementation through the relevant ministries and authorities.
Mr Darraj
Mr Darraj said the initiative was driven directly by residents’ concerns.
“Block 810 is a long-established residential area, but its infrastructure has clearly reached the end of its service life,” he said.
“We have received many complaints from citizens who struggle daily with damaged roads, water accumulation after rainfall and insufficient pedestrian safety.
“People should not have to worry about reaching their homes safely every time it rains. This project will directly solve that problem.”
The councillor added that upgrading pavements will also provide safer walking surfaces for pedestrians, particularly children and the elderly, while improving the overall appearance of the block.
Services and public utilities committee chairman Ali Al Shaikh said studies have confirmed the technical and service need for urgent intervention in the block.
Mr Al Shaikh
“Our review showed that many of the internal streets are old and no longer meet acceptable engineering standards,” he said. “Maintenance alone is no longer sufficient. What is required is comprehensive redevelopment that will extend the lifespan of the roads and raise safety standards.”
He added that the proposal falls squarely within the powers granted to municipal councils under Article 19 of the Municipalities Law, which allows them to propose road improvements, public utilities projects and beautification works in co-ordination with relevant authorities.
“This is exactly the type of local project municipal councils are mandated to prioritise,” Mr Al Shaikh noted. “It addresses roads, drainage, lighting and the overall urban appearance of a residential area.”
According to the committee report, the project will contribute to improving traffic movement, reducing the risk of accidents, and preserving the aesthetic and civilised character of the neighbourhood, in line with Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030 that focuses on infrastructure development.
Residents have also complained that rainwater often accumulates in low-lying areas, making access to homes difficult during bad weather. The proposal includes constructing underground rainwater tanks and a proper drainage network to resolve the issue permanently.
“If approved and implemented, this will serve as a model for similar ageing blocks across Isa Town,” Mr Al Shaikh said. “It demonstrates how targeted local proposals can lead to meaningful improvements in residents’ lives.”
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