A NATIONWIDE campaign against people hanging their laundry outside homes and accommodations has been launched.
Calling the sight of drying clothes outdoors an “eyesore”, officials have vowed to stamp out the practice by launching legal proceedings against the violators.
Under the 1996 Public Roads Usage Law illegal trespass on public or private property is met with fines of up to BD500 while under the 2019 Public Cleanliness Law dirtying, distorting the image or spilling water in the neighbourhood is punishable by a fine of between BD50 and BD500.
Campaigns have been carried out by the Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Ministry in co-ordination with Bahrain’s two cleaning companies across the four governorates.
Officials said laundry can be dried on the rooftop as long as it is not visible to the public.
Parliament public utilities and environment affairs committee chairman Mohammed Buhamood said the move ensures that the neighbourhoods portray a pleasant view to residents, tenants or passers-by.
“There are still people who continue to dry their laundry outside despite electric dryers being available in the market.
“We are a civilised society and eyesore clotheslines don’t reflect that, so the move by municipal officials is in line with efforts to clamp down on the unpleasant practice.”
Capital Trustees Board chairman Saleh Tarradah said the habit was being combated through law, but said it would take time to change the mindset.
“There is a clothesline culture and a belief that the sun is the best dryer, not only among the poor labourers who have no other option but also among our mothers and fathers.
“We are not justifying the presence of clotheslines in the neighbourhood and it is being dealt with, but until we manage to get a full shift, people can hide their clotheslines in a way that gets their clothes dry and at the same time does not become an eyesore.”
Southern Municipal Council chairman Bader Al Tamimi said the dirty habit was being indulged in by irresponsible individuals who just believe there is no other option.
“We have poor labourers who are now starting to use the dryers and again that’s something that we need to push further.
“The issue is not expat labourers although someone needs to help them buy the machines as there are locals who just think the neighbourhood is their property, despite regularly getting their clotheslines removed.
“Some even put undergarments and sleepwear and when told it is a shameful act, their response is always that it is their own lives and property and they can do what they want.”
Migrant Workers Protection Society chairwoman Noora Feleyfel said the shift to dryers for workers should be gradual since most can’t afford it.
“Sponsors should pay for the machines or give workers some time to get them.
“Rules that clotheslines shouldn’t be publicised should be respected, but again things have to be explained to poor workers before being forced on them.”
A ban on drying laundry in public was introduced in the Southern Governorate in 2016 following complaints from residents that the sight of underwear and lingerie was “provocative, disrespectful and embarrassing”.
The GDN reported that the Southern Municipal Council prohibited the practice of hanging out bras, panties, nightgowns and boxer shorts to dry in public view after being criticised by the conservative southern community.
mohammed@gdn.com.bh
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