PLANS for first aid rooms at public jetties to assist fishermen and seafarers have been approved by Bahrain’s largest municipal council.
The Northern Municipal Council unanimously backed a proposal that ensures greater safety of distressed sailors by setting up designated rooms equipped with the latest facilities including a paramedic.
Spearheading the initiative is Mohammed Al Dossari, who represents constituency three (Budaiya, Hamala and Jasra), as he stressed the importance of training fishermen and sailors in first aid.
“This is a crucial issue because we’re talking about the sea where a number of accidents are possible,” the councillor told the GDN.
“Anything can happen, such as an oil spill, drowning or other emergencies.
“Seamen are prone to a number of different accidents such as falling out of their boats, or hitting objects and suffering head or hand injuries.”
Leaks
Mr Al Dossari pointed out there have been cases of petrol leaks that have gutted vessels – and these could have been avoided had fire extinguishers and other equipment been stored in the designated first aid room.
The GDN has reported cases of fishermen injured at sea and even vessel fires that has prompted the proposal which is expected to cover 12 public jetties across Bahrain to assist seafarers and around 300 fishermen.
“Sometimes there are even petrol leaks which may result in a fire which if not extinguished in time can spread to other vessels.
“Both amateurs and professional fishermen frequent these jetties and sometimes there are families visiting to buy fish, so it’s a protection for everyone who visit these places.
“This is crucial to raise awareness and it’s not just about allocating a special room, but it’s about developing the required skills to equip them to react appropriately in possibly life-threatening situations.”
Mr Al Dossari highlighted the importance of teaching life-saving skills to seafarers to tackle emergencies and prevent any mishap.
The council’s proposal has been referred to the Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Minister Essam Khalaf for review.
Meanwhile, councillors unanimously approved a proposal to change the land classification of 26 real estate projects in constituency nine (Hamad Town – western part from roundabout four to 13) with development sizes ranging from 170.8sqm to 229.9sqm.
Council documents state the land falls under a housing project that is already constructed but did not get approval by the Urban Planning Supreme Committee.
Furthermore, councillors approved a plan to change the land classification of a piece of land in Hamad Town block 1214 to be used for commercial purposes.
reem@gdn.com.bh
&uuid=(email))