Municipal councillors have demanded urgent action over a foul-smelling livestock enclosure in Budaiya.
The move follows mounting complaints from nearby residents who cite noise disturbance and rising public health concerns, with reports that conditions are even disrupting prayers at a nearby mosque.
The issue centres around a poultry and animal pen operating on Road 5514, Block 555 in Budaiya, where residents have repeatedly complained for nearly three years about foul odours, rodents and disturbance spilling into the surrounding neighbourhood.
An urgent proposal spearheaded by Mohammed Al Dossary and backed by three fellow councillors – financial, administrative and legislative committee chairman Dr Mohsin Abdulla, Abdulla Al Qobaisi and Abdulla Al Thawadi – was unanimously approved by the Northern Municipal Council and urgently referred to the Health Ministry.
The memorandum revealed that a citizen had filed a complaint as far back as October 23, 2023, raising concerns over health hazards caused by the enclosure, which houses poultry and livestock in the middle of a residential district.
“Worshippers at the nearby mosque have complained of persistent foul smells and noise from the enclosure, making it difficult to pray, with some also fearing livestock could stray onto mosque grounds,” said Mr Al Dossary. “The cattle yard, located within a residential area, is entirely inappropriate and poses a risk to nearby families. Residents have shown patience despite repeated complaints over the past few years.”
Mr Al Dossary said municipal officials were previously informed that inspectors from the Ministry’s Public Health Directorate had visited the site and confirmed violations were present, but residents claim that no concrete action has yet been taken.
The councillor stressed the matter had now reached ‘a breaking point’, calling on authorities to address what he described as ‘growing environmental and health concern affecting daily life’.
Backing the urgent move, Dr Abdulla said the situation represented a clear violation of acceptable public health standards and required immediate intervention.
“You cannot allow livestock and poultry activity of this nature to continue operating unchecked inside densely populated residential neighbourhoods, especially when residents are raising legitimate health and environmental concerns,” said Dr Abdulla.
“The council acted unanimously because this issue directly impacts quality of life, sanitation standards and public safety. We expect urgent action from the authorities concerned.”
The case has now been escalated, with municipal leaders pushing for immediate enforcement measures to bring an end to what residents say has become one of the neighbourhood’s most lingering problems.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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