MPs and municipal councillors are pushing for Galali and Busaiteen to be added to early signage on the Muharraq Ring Road, saying the historic areas have been sidelined in the current road network.
The call comes through a proposal submitted by the Strategic Thinking Bloc, which won unanimous approval from the Muharraq Municipal Council.
The initiative is being spearheaded by bloc spokesman and area MP Khalid Bu Onk, who represents Galali, Diyar Al Muharraq, Amwaj Islands and Dilmunia.
Mr Bu Onk said the issue went beyond road navigation and touched on the identity and recognition of longstanding Bahraini communities.
“Galali and Busaiteen are among Muharraq’s original urban areas and deserve to be clearly represented on the road network,” he said.
Mr Bu Onk
“We appreciate the growth of new developments, but this should not come at the expense of established communities that have played a major role in Muharraq’s history and continue to be home to thousands of residents.
“Motorists should see signs directing them to Galali and Busaiteen from the beginning of their journey, not only when they are already close to the destination.”
He added that road signage should ‘reflect the geographical and social reality’ of Muharraq rather than focusing primarily on recently developed districts.
The proposal received strong backing from Muharraq Municipal Council chairman Abdulaziz Al Naar, who questioned why both areas were absent from key early directional signs despite their prominence.
“Through proper sign management, Galali and Busaiteen can easily be incorporated across the entire signage system,” said Mr Al Naar.
Mr Al Naar
“The real question is why these two major areas are missing from the early signs in the first place.
“They are not small neighbourhoods. They are important residential centres with long histories and significant populations. Their names should appear clearly and consistently from start to finish.”
Mr Al Naar stressed that the council’s position was not simply to add one or two signs but to ensure comprehensive representation throughout the route.
The matter was also highlighted by Busaiteen and Al Sayah councillor and technical committee chairman Mohammed Al Mahmood, who noted that references to both Galali and Busaiteen currently appear only at later stages of the road rather than at major decision points where drivers first choose their direction.
Mr Al Mahmood
Supporters of the proposal argue that road signs serve as landmarks of identity as much as navigation tools.
The proposal will now be referred to the relevant authorities, with councillors hoping future signage on the Muharraq Ring Road will ensure that both Galali and Busaiteen are given the recognition they believe they rightfully deserve.
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