A plot earmarked for a market in A’ali could be converted as an official parking lot for worshippers of a nearby mosque, if councillors have their way.
The Northern Municipal Council unanimously reaffirmed its insistence on converting a plot of land located on Road 3643, Block 736 in A’ali – plot number 07021311 – into a public parking facility to serve worshippers at Hamza Mosque.
The matter was reviewed and endorsed during the council’s recent meeting at the council’s headquarters in Budaiya.
It follows continued calls by area councillor Abdulla Ashoor and community leaders who have long stressed the urgent need for better infrastructure to support religious and public facilities.
Mr Ashoor described the current situation around Hamza Mosque as ‘untenable’, particularly during prayer times and religious occasions.
“Week after week, worshippers struggle to find a safe place to park,” said Mr Ashoor.
“Many are forced to leave their vehicles on narrow side streets or in unauthorised areas, creating serious congestion and risking traffic violations.
“This is not just a matter of convenience – it’s about respecting the dignity of the community and ensuring their safe access to houses of worship.”
He stressed that the proposed parking facility would not only enhance access to Hamza Mosque, but also reduce traffic pressure across the surrounding residential neighbourhoods in A’ali.
“This project reflects our commitment to supporting practical urban development that places the real needs of residents at the centre of all our decisions,” he added.
Dr Salman Abdulla, chairman of the council’s financial, administrative and legislative committee, outlined the technical and civic merits of the proposal, stressing that reallocating underutilised municipal land for parking represents ‘best practice in sustainable urban management’.
“We are not proposing unnecessary development – we are simply reallocating existing land to fulfil a genuine public need,” Dr Abdulla explained. “Providing structured parking adjacent to major community facilities like mosques prevents chaotic and dangerous parking behaviour, supports smooth traffic flows and enhances the quality of life for local residents.”
Dr Abdulla also pointed out that the proposal had already undergone internal technical reviews and had been found feasible and beneficial without any significant legal or engineering obstacles.
“From a planning perspective, this project ticks all the boxes: it is practical, cost-effective, and socially impactful,” he said.
Despite previous correspondence on the matter, the council noted that no formal action had yet been taken by the relevant ministries. Therefore, the council voted to escalate the matter officially to the Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister Wael Al Mubarak, urging him to prioritise the project and co-ordinate with Works Minister Ibrahim Al Hawaj.
“The proposal has garnered widespread support among residents, with many expressing relief that the authorities are giving serious attention to longstanding infrastructure shortcomings,” Dr Abdulla added. “Local religious leaders have also thrown their weight behind the initiative.”
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