Long-term residents who have witnessed their traditional territory become overwhelmed by mushrooming urban sprawl may be able to see out their twilight years in peace, if councillors get their way.
The Southern Municipal Council has voted unanimously to block heavy industrial and commercial services from opening new premises and will refuse to renew existing licenses held by businesses in the historic Block 909, East Riffa.
The proposal, which will be now reviewed by Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Minister Essam Khalaf, has been presented by council chairman Bader Al Tamimi and vice-chairman Abdullatif Mohammed.
The council received a petition signed by 70 people, mostly elderly residents living in constituency five and eight, which cover East Riffa, where they have laid their roots down for generations.
“Companies offering services in Block 909 are squeezing the life out of people living in the area as they have mushroomed over the years beyond control,” claimed Mr Al Tamimi.
“Their businesses have contributed to a rise in social, security and health problems and second and third generations of families don’t live there anymore, while those remaining are only the elderly who want to continue living in areas they are rooted in.
“We are not against having cold stores, laundries, or barber shops and the issue is mainly with garages, welding workshops and furniture stores.”
Last October the council banned new commercial and industrial outlets in Block 905, also in East Riffa, over concerns that smoke and stench emanating from them may affect the health of residents.
Mr Khalaf ratified that decision against granting government permits for new garages, workshops and scrap dealers there.
Mr Mohammed called for immediate action to tackle the rising pollution and stocking of large carpets by furniture shops on the road, which he stated violated multiple rules.
“While they have the licence to sell, they end up doing odd repairs and even store chemicals and used carpets without proper permits. It’s a hazard and could lead to fires.”
Council technical committee chairman Omar Abdulrahman said a halt to new services was necessary. “With or without a petition, people have every right to live in areas they have become attached to.”
Urban development and the movement of families to the outskirts is a reality across the country.
Northern Municipal Council chairman Ahmed Al Kooheji said there needs to be a better balance between urbanisation and community.
“Modernisation and heritage should be able to co-exist,” he added. “I fear greed is killing our rich history.”
mohammed@gdn.com.bh
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