A community forum has urged residents to treat even the smallest pools of rainwater as a public health risk, warning that even ‘a bottle cap filled with water’ can be enough for mosquitoes to breed.
The message came during the Haykom 17 open forum hosted at the headquarters of the Northern Municipal Council in Budaiya, where officials from health, environment and municipal bodies mapped out practical steps to prevent post-rain hazards.
Health Ministry public health monitoring and control head Dr Ghada Al Zayani said mosquito breeding is primarily driven by stagnant water, regardless of quantity.
“Even a bottle cap filled with water can start the breeding cycle,” she said. “Removing stagnant water is the simplest and most important step every person can take to protect themselves and their family.”
She warned that mosquitoes can transmit malaria, dengue, zika, yellow fever, West Nile virus and filariasis, noting that female mosquitoes rely on human blood as a protein source to lay eggs.
Dr Al Zayani urged residents to dry floors after rainfall, empty water from balconies and rooftops, refresh fountain and pool water, and report any outdoor pooling.
Dr Al Zayani, left, with Dr Al Wedaie
She also highlighted often overlooked sources such as flower-pot trays, buckets, tyres, birdbaths, children’s inflatable pools and air-conditioner drip trays.
“Ensure proper drainage for AC water and clean the trays regularly,” she said.
“Pet drinking water should also be changed frequently to prevent it from becoming a breeding site.
“Small actions make a big difference. When the community acts early, we prevent both environmental damage and disease risk.”
She said Bahrain is already aligned with international advancements in the field, both in permanent and mobile operations.
“We have been given permission from the government to bring the best in the field to combat mosquitoes – again what’s good for Australia isn’t necessarily suitable for us, so this is why we combine techniques, use of equipment and even pesticides.”
Works Ministry sanitary operation and maintenance director Abdulnabi Al Kufi said long-term solutions depend on effective design, tendering and connecting more areas to sewage and drainage networks.
Mr Al Kufi
“There is extensive work underway to connect neighbourhoods to proper sewage systems,” he said. Strong planning and design at the tender stage help minimise future pooling and reduce the need for emergency interventions.”
He added that routine maintenance – including clearing drainage grates and removing obstructions – is equally critical as infrastructure development.
Supreme Council for Environment waste management head Mohammed Aman cautioned against residents dumping chemicals into pooled water.
Mr Aman
“Uncontrolled chemical use harms the environment and public health,” he said. “Preventing mosquito breeding by eliminating standing water is far more effective than relying on pesticides.”
He also called for cleaning artificial grass and fountains regularly and changing water in decorative features to prevent stagnation.
Northern Municipal Council chairman Dr Sayed Shubbar Al Wedaie said the forum aimed to build a shared understanding between authorities and the public.
“Environmental health is a shared responsibility,” he said. “Awareness and vigilance from residents are essential for the success of municipal and national efforts.”
He noted that climate shifts are intensifying rainfall patterns, making it necessary to update practices rather than rely on outdated habits.
“Some international practices don’t apply directly to Bahrain, but co-operation across GCC countries facing similar conditions helps us refine our approach,” he added.
Combating mosquito outbreaks
Speakers agreed that reducing reliance on chemical control starts with households – emptying containers after rain, moderating garden irrigation, checking for leaks from taps and coolers, covering water tanks and ensuring window screens are intact.
The forum concluded with a call for residents, civic groups and municipal teams to work together during the rainy season, turning awareness into daily practice to keep neighbourhoods safe, dry and mosquito-free.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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