A COUNCIL has declared 'war' on a government ministry, claiming an agreement that would have seen the former move into its own headquarters for the first time had been 'hijacked'.
The developer behind a BD5 million project in Busaiteen was supposed to incorporate a new headquarters for the Muharraq Municipal Council in the plans.
In return the developer would be exempt from municipal fees, but that agreement has allegedly been cancelled by the Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Ministry.
The BD5m investment involves development of the offices of the Muharraq Municipality, a division of the ministry.
After learning the arrangement for its new headquarters had been cancelled, the council yesterday lodged an official complaint with His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa.
The council has shared the municipality complex with government officials since 2009, before which it operated from a rented building nearby since it was established in 2002.
“We have accepted being crammed in offices here with our employees for years,” complained council chairman Mohammed Al Sinan.
“Now, after all of this waiting, candidates who are elected councillors next year will be stuck with a bigger load (than us) and no space to even stretch their legs.”
He pointed the finger at both Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Minister Essam Khalaf and assistant under-secretary for common municipal services Raed Al Salah.
“Mr Al Salah has hijacked our project, something we spent months negotiating and getting accepted by all of those concerned,” he said.
“What really made it worse is the minister’s acceptance of it, knowingly or unknowingly, despite the existing deal and possibly the artist’s impressions.
“So for all of this, we have declared war on him (the minister).
“We will inform the Premier about the situation and seek action against the minister, while reinstating our project.
“It was just last year when the Premier visited us and we happily informed him about our new headquarters, but what happened behind our backs last month has angered us all.”
The development of the Muharraq Municipality premises will result in a new shopping complex.
Plans were first submitted by a private developer in 2013 and the council agreed on the condition that it would include its new headquarters.
However, the new deal will result in the developer paying municipal fees to the ministry.
Mr Al Salah has told the council in writing that no law allowed investors to avoid municipal fees, even if they are required to fulfil other obligations. But council technical committee chairman Yousif Al Rayes claimed the council had been sidelined.
“We arrange everything and fight until we get what we want, but after years we are told our new headquarters has been buried,” he said.
“This clearly bypasses councillors.”
Council financial, administrative and legislative committee chairman Ghazi Al Murbati claimed members were being deliberately disregarded.
“We are being treated as lowly employees instead of public representatives,” he said.
“It is time we packed up and sat at home because whatever we do is disregarded – mostly out of jealousy to put us down.”
However, council vice-chairman Mohammed Herz urged his colleagues against complaining about the minister. “We have pending projects and we don’t want him to put them on hold in retribution,” he said.
mohammed@gdn.com.bh
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