.jpg?20260522')
A proposal to connect rainwater reservoirs in West Riffa to the historic Ain Umm Ghwaifa Park has entered a technical review phase, with authorities saying environmental checks, capacity studies and funding will determine the way forward.
The recommendation, submitted by the Southern Municipal Council under Articles 19 and 20 of the Municipalities Law, seeks to channel excess stormwater towards the spring as part of wider flood-mitigation efforts in the area.
In a formal reply to the council, Works Ministry Under-Secretary Shaikh Mishal bin Mohammed Al Khalifa said the idea requires careful technical assessment before it can be implemented.
“The proposed study requires determining the storage capacity of Ain Umm Ghwaifa and estimating the quantities of water expected to be discharged into the spring,” he said.
“Implementation also necessitates obtaining environmental approvals from the competent authorities to verify water quality in accordance with approved standards.”
He added that the ministry has already appointed a specialised consulting team to prepare detailed designs for a stormwater drainage line along Majid Al Nuaimi Street and Shaikh Mohammed Street to tackle water accumulation in West Riffa.
“The timeframe for commencing implementation is contingent upon the availability of the necessary funding and required approvals from relevant service providers,” Shaikh Mishal noted.
“The ministry remains committed to completing projects in line with established priorities and plans.”
For councillors, however, the issue is about more than drainage – it is about protecting a revived heritage landmark that holds deep meaning for residents.
The spring, reopened to the public in 2022 after extensive rehabilitation by the Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry in partnership with the Southern Governorate, has become a popular heritage park, blending traditional design with greenery, lighting and seating inspired by Bahrain’s past.
Southern Municipal Council vice-chairman and area councillor Abdulla Bubshait said the recommendation aims to align infrastructure solutions with heritage preservation.
“Ain Umm Ghwaifa is not just a park, it is part of Bahrain’s memory. Any proposal linked to it must enhance the site while solving real problems faced by residents during heavy rains,” he said.
“We are looking at a smart solution where excess rainwater is managed in a way that also benefits the surrounding environment without harming the spring.”
Mr Bubshait stressed that West Riffa has long suffered from stormwater accumulation during seasonal downpours, affecting roads and homes.
“Residents see streets flooded while a historic spring stands nearby. The idea is to explore whether there is a safe, environmentally approved way to connect the two issues,” he said.
He welcomed the ministry’s decision to commission consultants and conduct proper studies, saying this would ensure that heritage, environment and engineering considerations are addressed together.
“We fully support scientific assessment. What matters to us is that the idea is seriously studied and not dismissed without evaluation,” he added.
Officials say the environmental aspect will be critical, as any water diverted to the spring must meet strict quality standards to avoid damaging the ecosystem or the heritage value of the site.
The park’s earlier rehabilitation included restoring traditional architectural touches, planting native trees such as palms and neem, installing heritage-style fencing and creating shaded seating areas that reflect Bahrain’s cultural identity.
Councillors now hope that the same spirit of preservation will guide the technical studies into whether stormwater management can complement – rather than compromise – the historic landmark.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
&uuid=(email))