Families from Sitra and Hidd whose homes were damaged in the Iranian attacks are now finding comfort and stability in government‑provided temporary housing as repair work continues.
Twenty-two families have been accommodated in apartments in Salman Town by the Housing and Urban Planning Ministry, which is also overseeing the repair process.
The ministry has indicated that the restoration is progressing as planned, with completion expected by mid-May.
The displaced families have been relocated to fully-furnished flats by a picturesque beach, with all necessary amenities available including Internet access.
A media delegation was given a tour of the accommodation yesterday, during which residents spoke about their experiences.
Sayed Hashem Fardan, a 71‑year‑old with 42 grandchildren, told the GDN reporter that the support had helped his family cope during a difficult period.
“It’s a good flat with a good view, a good beach, and in a good city – Salman City is very beautiful,” the elderly Mahazza local, occupying a three-bedroom flat, said.
“I set up a gargoor (fish trap) a couple of days ago but I haven’t gone back to check if it caught anything,” the now-retired banker added.
“In the surrounding flats are my neighbours and cousins – everyone is related to me in some way. My wife and I are happy. The people who shifted here from Sitra are happy.”
In the same building, retired forensic specialist Abdulameer Fateel recounted the fateful night of March 9 when he was woken up by the explosion, just before midnight.
Falling debris shook both him and his wife out of their sleep, damaging the front door, windows and rooftop, as well as kitchen appliances and the water tank – and completely wrecking his car.
“I was asleep when I heard the blast. My wife was crying and I saw that my home and car were greatly damaged,” he recalled.
“I went to stay with my brother, while my wife went to her mother’s house. I contacted the Housing Ministry, and was able to come here after a week.”
With windows overlooking the tranquil sea, he said he now enjoys watching the sunrise and taking morning walks.
“Apart from the view, what I like most is the peace and quiet – it’s far from the noise and crowds of Mahazza,” he said.
“I had a bit of difficulty going anywhere because the debris made my car undrivable and I haven’t been able to fix it,” he added.
“The Housing Ministry has been great in all this. The minister pays attention to detail and the employees were responsive to our requests and reports.
“I wish to express my special gratitude to the Governor, whose words – ‘everything will be compensated’ – helped dispel the anxiety felt by citizens.”
Both Mr Fateel and Mr Fardan extended their thanks to His Majesty King Hamad, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and to all working under their directives, who lent a helping hand during the crisis.
Mr Fardan’s 20-year-old grandson, also named Sayed Hashem, is staying with his parents and five siblings in a nearby unit.
“I was sleeping when the debris fell on the house. My sisters and mum were all crying, and I didn’t know who to go to, since I’m the eldest,” the university student told the GDN.
“Nothing in the house was left unharmed – everything was damaged and broken. My mum was injured and I had to take her to the hospital,” he recounted.
“We stayed that night at my aunt’s house, until Eid, when we came to Salman Town.”
He added that he misses spending time with his friends in Sitra since he does not know anyone here, but that he is comfortable and glad to have a roof over his head.
In another tower, Husain Ali and his family occupy a brand-new, modern three-bedroom apartment, also boasting uninterrupted blue views. His sons were engrossed in video games in their cosy room, while his daughter had her own fully stocked vanity.
His next-door neighbour and friend, Sayed Saeed, a father of five, was similarly grateful, but said that it was a hassle to travel more than 35km a day between Sitra and his temporary residence.
Meanwhile, a highly-dedicated team from the ministry worked round-the-clock during Ramadan to furnish the temporary homes as quickly as possible and make them ready to receive residents, to allow families to swiftly find relief.
Citizens moved in between March 17 and April 19, and are expected to finally return to their renovated homes by the middle of this month.
According to a ministry engineer, 60 temporary housing units were made ready as a precautionary measure when the conflict started.
He added that it was a joint effort between various governmental bodies including the Works Ministry, the Electricity and Water Authority and more.
“Some families can’t sleep at night because of the anxiety, but we check on them regularly,” he said. “We are here to hear their concerns and provide solutions.”
zainab@gdnmedia.bh
&uuid=(email))