A large plot of land in A’ali is at the centre of a dispute, with residents wanting it to be designated as a public parking space while authorities want to build a public park at the site.
The 788.518sqm land has been informally used as a parking lot for Al Qaeem Ma’atam since 1986.
Residents say that if the Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry reclaims the land for a park, it would disrupt the current parking arrangement and create logistical problems in the area.
“People do not see the need for a public park at this specific location,” said Northern Municipal Council member and area councillor Abdulla Ashoor.
“Instead, they fear losing a well-used and essential space that has served as a parking lot for four decades,” he added.
“In a densely populated residential area such as this, parking is a far more pressing issue than a park.”
Parking woes have become a growing challenge, particularly during community gatherings and religious events held at the ma’atam which serves as a key social and cultural hub in the neighbourhood, drawing hundreds of people daily and many more on special occasions.
While acknowledging the importance of public green spaces, Mr Ashoor stressed that converting the land into a permanent parking lot would be a practical and community-driven decision.
“The ma’atam hosts religious and social events year-round, with nearly 500 attendees on a regular basis,” he explained.
“On special occasions, the numbers can be more.”
He also pointed out that though the ma’atam has been using the plot as an informal parking lot, officially designating it as a public parking space would make it accessible to all residents, not just ma’atam visitors.
“We are not asking for this space to become an endowment property or to be permanently allocated to the ma’atam alone,” he clarified.
After the unanimously backed residents’ request, Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister Wael Al Mubarak has formally referred the matter to Housing and Urban Planning Minister Amna Al Romaihi for review.
Mr Ashoor is optimistic that the government will recognise the community’s needs and approve the change.
If approved, the plot of land will have to be reclassified.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
Top stories for today:
Royal directive to increase Ramadan financial support
Gulf Air renews F1 sponsorship deal
A CHARTER FOR DEVELOPMENT: Cabinet has commended Bahrain’s achievements inspired by the principles of the National Action Charter
&uuid=(email))