A comprehensive urban push to restore some of Bahrain’s busiest neighbourhoods to their former vibrancy is now a top municipal priority, with plans to fast-track infrastructure and redevelopment projects in the wake of Iranian attacks.
The initiative, led by the Capital Trustees Board, will see close co-ordination with government ministries and bodies to bring forward long-term development works in Juffair and Seef District, two of Bahrain’s most cosmopolitan and commercially-active areas.
Board chairman Saleh Tarradah said the situation had prompted a shift in planning priorities. “A plan to take lively Bahrain areas back to their peak is now a priority,” he said.
“The urban development plan will be changed to accommodate the arising needs of restoring both areas and pushing ahead now with what should have been later planned infrastructure projects.
“It is an opportunity to go beyond restoration from the Iranian aggression last month into the future. Bahrain continues to be a regional magnet for business, investment and tourism and both Juffair and Seef will once again be prime locations.”
Specific initiatives will be announced shortly but the GDN understands ‘from adversity comes opportunity’ with ‘boring but vital’ road, sewage and lighting improvements taking place alongside ‘headline making’ community and visitor enhancement projects moving higher up the agenda.
Mr Tarradah had earlier strongly condemned the attacks on residential neighbourhoods in the Capital Governorate, noting that families, businesses and entire communities had been affected.
“We stand as one around the flag of the nation, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad, and we have full confidence in the measures taken by the government, headed by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to confront this criminal aggression,” he said.
Mr Tarradah said the board’s focus was to ensure that affected neighbourhoods quickly regain their ‘pinnacle’ status as vibrant centres of life, commerce and tourism.
“These areas are home to families, businesses and some of Bahrain’s most diverse communities,” he said. “Our responsibility is not only to restore what was damaged, but to bring these neighbourhoods back stronger, better organised and fully prepared for the future.”
Board vice-chairwoman Dr Khulood Al Qattan said the redevelopment drive would not be limited to Juffair and Seef but also include the Iran attack hit community of Sitra.
As earlier reported in the GDN, it will undergo state-led redevelopment after suffering repeated damage affecting families and property. “Sitra will be redeveloped and projects planned for the area could be brought ahead, alongside Juffair and Seef, as part of this broader urban response,” Dr Al Qattan added.
Dr Al Qattan believes the situation had created an opportunity for authorities to rethink timelines and integrate future projects into immediate recovery efforts. “What we are seeing is not only restoration, but acceleration,” she said. “Projects that were part of long-term urban plans can now be brought forward to serve residents sooner and strengthen these areas against future challenges.”
Dr Al Qattan believes that by combining recovery with accelerated development, Bahrain can turn a difficult period into a catalyst for modernisation.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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