A PROPOSAL has been tabled to install additional signs to help visitors reach a popular shopping complex in Muharraq safely – and not end up in a graveyard!
Visitors, mainly GCC nationals, to the Dragon City in Diyar Al Muharraq coming from Manama through Busaiteen have been facing trouble getting proper directions with most of them getting lost in nearby Dair village.
The mall has been seeing an influx of customers following the reopening of King Fahad Causeway in May.
The Muharraq Municipal Council has been bombarded with requests from Dair residents for an immediate solution after several clueless visitors were seen driving in circles around their homes or into the area’s graveyard.
The council in December 2019 asked the Information and eGovernment Authority to scrap all shortcuts shown on a web-mapping service to Dragon City as they reportedly led people through narrow passages in residential areas.
Government officials had acknowledged the issue, but stated that most of the visitors who got lost were heading from Seef District towards Muharraq, while those using Khalifa Bin Salman Causeway connecting Juffair to Hidd had no problems.
The authority’s chief executive Mohammed Al Qaed, in a letter to the council, said the government had no power over Google Maps.
“Electronic maps can’t be changed by the authority. Routes are determined by Google Maps automatically according to shortcuts and the least congested road for drivers,” said Mr Al Qaed.
However, area councillor and the council’s services and public utilities committee chairman Fadhel Al Oud said if the Google Maps matter couldn’t be resolved then signs have to be erected within the village or its surroundings to help visitors.
Route problem ... new signs solution?
“Visitors get lost because the route from Manama given on Google Maps is the fastest route, but it has its complications.
“The route is full of detours and shortcuts that will eventually get people lost and their ending up in the graveyard has become a normal scene.”
“It is not nice to see helpless Saudi women crying inside their cars after getting lost.
“Residents are not complaining about the influx of visitors, the irritating part is people getting lost and disturbing the peace and quiet of the neighbourhood.”
Muharraq MP Ebrahim Al Nefaei said the mall management and the Muharraq Municipality could reach an agreement to put up additional signs.
Alternative
Northern Municipal Council chairman Ahmed Al Kooheji said erecting more signs could lead to overcrowding.
“Signboards shouldn’t be allowed to mushroom at the same sites because that wouldn’t look nice.”
The Muharraq Municipal Council in September last year came up with an alternative route, parallel to the cemetery, that is clear and far away from the Dair Cemetery and homes, but due to technical issues was put on hold by the Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Ministry.
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