A BAN on development projects could be imposed in Bahrain’s most populated area following numerous complaints by residents that businesses were encroaching on their property.
The Muharraq Municipal Council yesterday approved the ban in Arad which, however, will not apply to construction permits for residential purposes.
Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Minister Essam Khalaf has asked for more time to study the issue, through the Urban Planning and Development Authority, before making any final decision.
In the 2018 Parliament and municipal council elections, Arad had the highest number of voters in a constituency.
A total of 15,363 voters were eligible to cast their ballots for Parliament elections in the Muharraq Governorate’s constituency seven (Arad), and 15,436 for municipal councils – including 73 votes for GCC nationals and expatriates with property.
“We don’t want Arad, especially residential block 244, to be swallowed up by businesses,” said area councillor Ahmed Al Meghawi during the council’s regular meeting yesterday.
“Does anyone want to reach a frustrating point when the home is surrounded by shops on all sides?
“As a case in point, pleas by Juffair residents fell on deaf ears and many fed-up residents sold their homes and left the place.
“I don’t want the same thing happening in my area and a blanket development ban is necessary until things are sorted out.”
Mr Al Meghawi pointed out that he was not against businesses or investments.
Balance
“I know my area is in demand from businesses and for investment but without a balance things could turn ugly.
“We want malls, shopping complexes and hypermarkets because they ease people’s lives and ensure they don’t travel long distances to Seef or Manama – Seef Mall Muharraq in Arad being a successful example.
“But there is a saturation point when one feels enough is enough.
“The ban would allow the ministry to organise things and present us with zones that are far away from homes.”
Services and public utilities committee chairman Fadhel Al Oud clarified that the ban will not include permits to build new homes.
“There are several requests to build new homes and apartment buildings in Arad and they should not be frozen alongside other developments under the ban.
“The problem is with businesses and investment and not homes.
“A survey should be carried out of Arad which should then be mapped out properly for the future.”
mohammed@gdn.com.bh
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