ISA Town, the Gulf’s oldest modern residential city, could be the subject of a preservation initiative.
On Tuesday, MPs are set to vote on a proposal to protect one of the homes from the first batch that was distributed to families in 1968.
They want it turned into a national monument and tourist attraction, by furnishing it to reflect the bygone era, and showcasing items, currencies and equipment from that period.
Parliament members are also pushing to have the home host cultural activities and programmes to highlight the town which was famous for several renaissance movements decades ago.
Jubilee
A gala ceremony to mark the golden jubilee of the town was held in November last year.
The Housing Ministry told MPs in writing that a 2017 survey of homes handed over more than 50 years ago showed that only one remained unchanged in architecture and design.
“Our engineers found one home that has remained untouched since the handover, but it is in a bad condition with several cracks and disintegration of construction components,” said the ministry.
“However, using professional technologies it can be restored to its original status.”
The Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities said preserving Isa Town as a witness to the Gulf’s history was a significant step.
“We recommend that it should be just one home – as a model for future generations to come,” it said.
“The proposal has our full backing and should the home be handed over to us then we will start to work on it accordingly.”
Isa Town is divided between the Capital and Southern Governorates.
The Capital Trustees Board has also backed the proposal in writing, while detailing that it should include a photography museum, library, souvenir shop and café, and a lecture hall.
The Southern Municipal Council has also backed the move, urging that work start on it immediately.
Meanwhile, MPs are set to vote on another proposal to purchase the former Batelco headquarters in Isa Town and turn it into a grand public park.
Area MP Isa Al Qadi, who is behind the proposal, said the 40,000 square foot land is the only unoccupied space that the government can purchase for government projects in Isa Town, which has a population of around 80,000 people.
Parks
The Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Ministry said that four public parks and a walkway have been built over the years in Isa Town, pointing out that it is just 150 metres away from one of the public parks in the area.
The GDN earlier reported that the desired land costs around BD9 million.
MPs will also vote on a proposal to exempt families of martyrs on duty from paying electricity and water bills for one home.
Parliament’s public utilities and environment affairs committee urged MPs to vote in favour of the move despite the Electricity and Water Authority (EWA) stating that such authority was under the Cabinet or could be achieved through legislative intervention in law.
Revenues
We can’t encourage more exemptions as we are in need of revenues to help with our projects and work and such moves could be only achieved through the Cabinet’s approval or legislative intervention in law,” it said.
Parliament will also vote on establishing a health centre in the new Khalifa Town, opposite Askar.
The Health Ministry informed MPs that the project would be tendered for construction with all necessary departments incorporated.
MPs will also vote on establishing rehabilitation centres and institutes for people with disabilities across Bahrain’s governorates besides a specialised health centre equipped to receive people suffering from disability.
mohammed@gdn.com.bh
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