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Long-abandoned homes that have become eyesores and potential death traps are finally being torn down in Muharraq after years of complaints from residents fearful of collapsing buildings, trespassers and fire hazards.
Heavy machinery moved into Block 208 yesterday to demolish one of the dangerous structures after the Muharraq Municipal Council secured the necessary approvals following persistent efforts to clear unsafe properties across the historic city.
The move has been welcomed by residents, but municipal officials say it is only the beginning of a much larger challenge.
Muharraq Municipal Council services and public utilities committee chairman Abdulqader Al Sayed said the process of removing abandoned homes was often slow and complicated, particularly when buildings fell within protected heritage areas.
Mr Al Sayed
“We are accelerating the procedures as much as possible,” Mr Al Sayed told the GDN during a visit to the demolition site.
“This property in Block 208 was included in the heritage list and was also on the Muharraq Municipality’s demolition list. After completing the required procedures and obtaining the necessary approvals, work has finally begun.
“Our priority is public safety. Residents have waited a long time for action and we are determined to speed up the process wherever possible.”
He explained that demolishing neglected buildings required extensive co-ordination between several government bodies before approval could be granted.
“There is still much more work to be done,” he added. “Many dangerous homes remain standing and we will continue working with all relevant authorities to protect neighbourhoods from the risks they pose.”
While progress is being made, the council’s powers remain limited.
A number of abandoned buildings cannot be demolished because they fall under the protection of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (Baca), which preserves structures of historical and architectural significance.
Municipal officials stress that every case must strike a balance between safeguarding Bahrain’s heritage and ensuring public safety.
Muharraq Municipal Council chairman Abdulaziz Al Naar said the latest demolition demonstrated that such a balance could be achieved through co-operation between the relevant authorities.
Mr Al Naar
“This is a positive step that reflects successful co-ordination between the municipality and Baca,” Mr Al Naar said.
“We fully appreciate the importance of preserving Muharraq’s rich heritage, but we must also respond to the legitimate concerns of residents living beside dangerous and abandoned buildings.
“Our objective is to protect lives while respecting the historical identity of Muharraq. We will continue pressing for faster procedures so that unsafe structures can be dealt with without unnecessary delays.”
Residents have repeatedly complained about abandoned homes becoming gathering spots for vandals and illegal activities, while deteriorating walls, collapsing roofs and accumulated rubbish have heightened fears over public safety.
Municipal councillors hope the latest demolition will pave the way for faster approvals on similar cases, allowing more hazardous buildings to be removed before they cause tragedy, while ensuring historically significant properties continue to receive the protection they deserve.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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