MPs are warning of a massive outbreak of mosquito infestation in neighbourhoods across Bahrain as the annual rainy season started yesterday.
Infestations have already been reported from mostly coastal regions, reclaimed land and farming areas in Buhair Valley, Arad, Galali, Tubli, Al Luzi, Malkiya and Dar Kulaib.
Parliament’s services committee, Bahrain’s three municipal councils – Southern, Northern and Muharraq – and the Capital Trustees Board, have received complaints from numerous families.
Committee chairman Ahmed Al Ansari is calling for a long-term solution to the menace rather than a scattergun approach.
“Spraying chemicals and medicines is only a surface solution to the mosquito problem, while the core issue remains unresolved for years,” Mr Al Ansari told the GDN.
“People, including myself as a Buhair Valley resident, have duct tape placed across all our windows and we don’t open them for fear of getting badly bitten,” he said.
“Mosquitoes are a known health hazard around mostly coastal regions, reclaimed land and farming areas, some of which have only been inhabited over the past decade. It is unfortunate that someone’s dream home turns into a nightmare at this time of year – the worst nightmare ever.
“We have asked the Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Ministry to study ideas for water drainage and installing pipelines amongst many other ideas, but nothing has been done.”
He said that he been handed several medical reports from residents who had suffered stings and bites numerous times.
The GDN reported in May last year that neighbourhoods across Bahrain were sprayed by the Health Ministry with pesticides as part of efforts to eradicate the problem.
At the time it dispatched a team of 25 pest control specialists, including four supervisors, to areas where large pools of stagnant rainwater were located.
Mr Al Ansari, who is a former Southern Municipal Council chairman, said rain is expected to result in more mosquitoes surrounding the surfaces of puddles and larger pools.
“I don’t know when people will be able to live in peace. Even with the blessing of rain, many see it as a curse,” he added.
“Allowing the problem to remain unresolved for years is unacceptable.”
Buhair area councillor Abdulla Abdullatif said the mosquito menace is likely to increase in tandem with the country expanding.
“New areas across the country are emerging, especially near the sea and farms so solutions using new technologies in the market should be sought,” he added.
Their stand has support in the community.
Malkiya Environment and Public Parks Friends head Juma Al Mallah urged the authorities to come up with long-term solutions.
“There is a problem with mosquitoes here and, although I know they don’t spread malaria in Bahrain, apart from the discomfort caused by bites, they can spread other illnesses and diseases,” he said.
“Long-term solutions based on the experiences and successes across the world have to be introduced.”
mohammed@gdn.com.bh
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