A HOTSPOT Bahraini village is poised to see major infrastructure projects over the next few months to restore it back to its normal state.
Bani Jamra on Budaiya Highway has over the years and since the unrest been the ground for numerous acts of vandalism and attacks on policemen with the highest profile incident being a shooting on January 14 in which a policeman was injured.
The village in the Northern Governorate’s constituency three also includes Duraz, on the opposite side of the highway, which is now undergoing extensive repairs to damages caused by criminals for more than a year.
Duraz has been the site of acts of terror since an anti-government movement broke out in 2011, with the situation escalating in June last year when opposition sympathisers gathered outside the home of spiritual leader Shaikh Isa Qassim, whose nationality was revoked for inciting sectarianism.
The illegal gatherings continued until May 23 when a security operation was carried out to clear road blocks and disperse rioters.
Five outlaws were killed, 19 police officers injured and scores of people were arrested including convicted terrorists who previously escaped from Jaw Prison.
Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Minister Essam Khalaf, accompanied by senior ministry officials, visited Bani Jamra yesterday following directives from His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa.
He met area MP Jalal Kadhem and municipal councillor Fatema Al Qatari in the presence of village dignitaries at the Bani Jamra Sports and Cultural Club before touring the area in a bus.
“We have a long-term programme for major infrastructure projects, developments and revamping in Bani Jamra to provide residents with all their needs,” said Mr Khalaf.
“Everyone in Bani Jamra has to step up and take responsibility of protecting the village from people who make life difficult for them and others by hitting arterial infrastructures or services intended to service them in the first place.”
Mr Kadhem, who is also parliament’s financial and economic affairs committee vice-chairman, said progress in Bani Jamra would not be stalled and will go ahead as planned without disruptions, despite odd acts by a few.
“The community has a role in protecting services such as roads, sewage and electricity,” he said.
“We are already standing up against any sabotage or terrorist act. It is just some irresponsible individuals but we want to restore the village back to its normal state and develop it.”
Ms Al Qatari said Bani Jamra was seeing rapid urbanisation but infrastructure development and services are not keeping pace.
“The place has been quiet for some months now and it is in a better shape than Duraz but we could do with projects. However, officials always cite the excuse that whatever they do would get vandalised,” she said.
“We are looking to work in line with the residents’ demands and they themselves will step up to defend whatever is presented to them, if done.”
mohammed@gdn.com.bh
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