A BAN has been imposed on new light industrial outlets in East Riffa following repeated concerns over smoke, stench and bacterial and viral infections.
Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Minister Essam Khalaf revealed that the Southern Municipality will not be granting any permits for new garages, workshops and scrap dealers in the area.
However, he added that the furniture showrooms currently open in the area have been licensed by the Industry, Commerce and Tourism Ministry.
“Furniture showrooms are commercial and are not assembly workshops, which means that they can’t be considered as light industrial services,” said Mr Khalaf.
“Industrial services in the area have been licensed before organisational rules specifically set for the area came into effect.”
“The municipality is working tirelessly to clear any violation on the roads that may cause harm to the residents.
The original proposal was presented by council chairman Bader Al Tamimi and vice-chairman Abdullatif Mohammed, whose two constituencies cover East Riffa.
“Many senior government officials who had set up homes in East Riffa moved out after several industrial outlets mushroomed in the area,” said Mr Al Tamimi.
“However, many elderly continue to live here as they are attached to their roots.
“I have received complaints of noise, toxic fumes and foul smell emanating from workshops and garages, which rob them of their sleep.”
Mr Mohammed called for immediate action to tackle the rising pollution.
He also said that most of the outlets, mostly furniture shops, were violating the law.
“While the outlets in the area have the licence to display and sell, they end up doing odd repairs and even store chemicals without proper permits. It’s a hazard.”
“Furniture is also assembled there and stacks of parts lie around for long periods and there are worries that it is full of bacteria and viruses, which is a clear danger to people’s health and well-being.
The council’s services and public utilities committee chairman Abdulla Abdullatif, who is also the council’s eldest member, said his family had to leave the area as the non-stop woes caused by garages and workshops were unbearable.
“The ban should have come a long time ago as the place now sees an increasing number of garages and workshops.
“This is why we, and many others, left as we got surrounded by stacked furniture and car lubricants.”
mohammed@gdn.com.bh
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