MUNICIPAL councillors are insisting on turning a historic valley in the Southern Governorate into a protected natural park and reserve despite the government vetoing the move.
Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Minister Essam Khalaf had earlier said that the place – an uneven terrain – was unfit to be a park.
He said a study had been conducted and it was found that the area required intensive soil treatment and an effective rain drainage system before it could be turned into a nature reserve.
“A part of the requested site falls within a private property, while the other area has been registered under the Housing Ministry for social homes,” Mr Khalaf pointed out.
“A technical study has also revealed that the place cannot be turned into a park unless it is levelled to the ground and that’s difficult.”
The Buhair Valley has undergone a major clean-up after being used as an illegal dumping ground for decades. However, dumping continues with large quantities of garbage and building debris, as well as rainwater and sewage disposed there.
The council had also proposed inviting private companies to invest in eco-friendly tourism projects. They had also called for hot-air balloon rides, outdoor sky diving and even a cable car connection in the future.
The proposals were rejected by the government, but councillors have vowed to press ahead with the plans.
“Our proposal is simple – and that’s turning Buhair Valley into a park and sanctuary without constructing anything,” said Buhair councillor Abdulla Abdullatif.
“We already have a Bahraini investor interested in launching hot-air balloon rides and outdoor sky diving. A cable car connection has also been planned in the future following economic recovery from Covid-19.
“The services area, which would be overseen by the investor, was intended to be in the part owned by the Housing Ministry.
“The ministry has clearly stated that cleaning up the plots is next to impossible as it will be worth the cost of 1,000 homes!
“People would be enjoying rides in the air, it is not anyone’s property. We just want the site to be protected. If it is gone, this natural habitat can never be replicated.”
He said several natural and archaeological sites have been maintained within new housing and infrastructure developments.
“The natural water spring has been fenced in Hunnainyah Valley despite being a Housing Ministry property and the same with Al Sayeh Island in Busaiteen, which also falls within the Eskan (Housing) Bank property,” said Mr Abdullatif.
Council chairman Bader Al Tamimi said Mr Khalaf may not have understood the proposal and the matter could be resolved through another council vote.
“Should the minister reject the proposal a second time, a final decision should be taken by the Cabinet in favour of one party – either the minister or the council.
“The minister is probably unaware that an investor is keen on the project. He also doesn’t seem to have understood that there is no construction work involved,” said Mr Al Tamimi.
“We just want to protect the marine environment and wildlife in the valley, and declare it a protected zone and we have listed measures in the proposal to achieve it,” he added.
The Buhair Valley, near Isa Town, dates back to prehistoric times as it contains fossils of creatures indicating that the place was once underwater.
However, decades of illegal dumping has turned it into a toxic wasteland that gave off foul smells and attracted all kinds of insects.
Residents complained of unhygienic conditions and pungent gases when waste was dug to lay the foundations for a government housing complex.
A major clean-up operation was launched to empty the valley of waste in 2013, but on several occasions the rubbish combusted when oxygen was exposed to methane gas that had built up over the years.
mohammed@gdn.com.bh
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