Action has been urged against the owner of a residential property in Howrat Sanad, which has allegedly been housing large numbers of expatriate labourers for several years without the required permits.
The issue sparked heated exchanges during a Southern Municipal Council meeting, held a day after electricity and water services to the property were disconnected.
Area councillor Mohammed Darraj said the case dates back to 2018 and accused authorities of long‑term inaction despite repeated violations, including ‘unlicensed construction and the continued use of subsidised utilities’.
“This is a dangerous facility, with a large concentration of expatriate bachelor labourers living together in a residential area that is earmarked for future social housing,” Mr Darraj told the council. “The services were disconnected only after I raised it publicly on television.”
The property, located on Road 4559, Block 645 in Howrat Sanad, falls within an area owned by the Housing and Urban Planning Ministry since 2021 and has been allotted for housing projects.
Mr Darraj claimed the property owner – whom he believes has fled the country – had been benefiting from subsidised electricity, water and municipal fees for years.
“The owner was receiving a subsidised utility and municipal bill for eight years and I believe he owes the state BD40,000 in differences,” he alleged, blaming the authorities for not monitoring such properties.
He further said that electricity and water to the property were disconnected only one day before the council meeting, despite the issue being raised formally with multiple authorities over the past year. Correspondence from the Southern Municipal Council shows repeated requests to the Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry, the Housing and Urban Planning Ministry and the Electricity and Water Affairs Ministry seeking explanations as to why no action had been taken regarding the violations.
Southern Municipality Director-General Isa Al Buainain acknowledged the seriousness of the case but indicated that formal notification timelines were relevant to enforcement procedures.
“The authorities take the matter seriously and act once they are alerted,” Mr Al Buainain said.
“This is not a case of turning a blind eye. Established procedures must be followed after thorough inspections, and cases are subsequently referred to the Public Prosecution. Action has been taken; we respond promptly, contrary to the councillor’s claims.
“There are clear steps that must be followed, whether the process is lengthy or expedited.”
Mr Darraj alleged that the property had been constructed without the necessary permits and was connected to electricity illegally.
“The situation poses both social and safety risks to families living in the surrounding area,” he said, calling for tough action against the owner.
“This is not just a technical violation. This is in the middle of a residential area where families live, and where new social housing is planned. How can this be allowed to continue for years?”
Mr Darraj called for a full investigation into how the violations were allowed to persist for eight years and how subsidised services continued to be provided to an illegal facility.
“This is public money, BD40,000 is not a small amount,” he said. “Someone must be held accountable.”
The council is expected to follow up the case with the ministries concerned.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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