Bahrain: A row over whether people should be fined for spilling water in the street when they wash their cars has delayed the new Cleanliness Law by a week.
The draft law includes penalties of BD20 to BD50 for anyone caught using a hose to wash their car in the street.
However, a debate over whether people who wash their cars on their own property – causing water to run into the street – brought discussions to a standstill yesterday.
Parliament chairman Ahmed Al Mulla blamed the disagreement on MPs wasting time by failing to read draft bills scheduled for discussion before showing up in parliament.
He said if they did they could alert relevant committees about reservations and possible amendments before the legislation was due to be voted on.
“Shouting at each other to force our opinion will not do any good,” said Mr Al Mulla.
Yesterday’s row was over whether municipal inspectors had authority to fine people for washing cars on their own property.
“No-one has the right under constitutional prohibitions to enter people’s homes without a warrant, even inspectors with judicial authorities,” said MP Abbas Al Madi.
“Is cleaning vehicles and spilling water an excuse for the contrary?
“I can’t imagine anyone holding a hose and spraying roads and neighbourhoods – water is not free in Bahrain and people today have housemaids and workers who clean their cars for them.”
However, MP Mohammed Al Ammadi said such water was affecting the cleanliness of neighbourhoods.
“Those actions are damaging the general image and are far from acceptable,” he said.
“Cleaning or washing have to be tackled through law.”
Parliament first vice-chairman Ali Al Aradi agreed.
“The problem is not just inside the home, it is affecting people’s rights outside and something has to be done to stop it,” he said.
Public utilities and environment affairs committee chairman Adel Al Asoomi, whose committee revised the law, said it was simply designed to ensure cleanliness.
“Everyone has the right to clean their vehicles,” he said.
“That is not something the law is here to tackle.
“The law bans the use of hoses because they cause puddles on the road and flooding, besides banning improper washing that sees water spilling into roads and neighbourhoods.
“The law doesn’t deal with those who wash their cars inside their homes unless what they do affects public property or their neighbour.
“To be honest, MPs shouldn’t exaggerate things.
“People have the right to burn their cars inside their homes, no-one would care.
“If water goes into sewage drains there is no violation, but when it goes outside in excess then that’s a problem that needs to see wrongdoers fined.”
The government-drafted law aims to protect public health and defines responsibilities of individuals and institutions.
It restricts disposal of rubbish and waste to dedicated locations and outlaws spitting and urinating in public places. The law carries fines of up to BD100 and jail sentences for severe offenders.
However, MPs ridiculed and rejected a suggestion by MP Ali Al Farsan yesterday to include penalties for those who deliberately blow mucus from their noses on the street without a tissue.
Once approved the law will be referred to the Shura Council for review.
mohammed@gdn.com.bh
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