The government has been urged to implement a project to redirect stagnant water near Halat Al Nuaim and Al Salta area in Arad to the sea.
The Muharraq Municipal Council has called for action after residents expressed concern over stagnant water in reclaimed lands that could lead to spread of insects and rodents and pose a grave health and environmental hazard.
The council’s financial, administrative and legislative committee chairman and Arad councillor Ahmed Al Meghawi stressed the need to urgently drain pools of water near Road 28 in Halat.
Mr Al Meghawi
He also demanded an update on a proposed project which involves constructing a water channel to divert stagnant water to the sea.
“Residents have waited far too long. The solution is clear: open a channel to the sea,” said Mr Al Meghawi.
“The project was first proposed in 2020, and since then, the community has been struggling with foul odour emanating from the areas.”
He submitted a new proposal to create a channel from the western basin to the eastern coastline, effectively flushing the stagnant pools and restoring ecological balance in the area.
Mr Al Meghawi stressed that the project not only has environmental merit but is also critical to safeguarding public health.
“The complaints from residents have been constant,” he added. “We’re not just talking about inconvenience, we’re dealing with serious public health risks. Stagnant water attracts pests and creates unbearable living conditions, particularly during the warmer months.”
The councillor submitted a memorandum that outlined the municipal councils’ competencies in initiating and following up on essential public infrastructure projects.
Mr Al Meghawi also referenced previous correspondence sent to former works, municipalities affairs and urban planning minister Essam Khalaf, seeking updates on the project as well as a related initiative to establish a passageway for fishermen in the area.
“Despite repeated follow-ups, the project has not been implemented, frustrating both residents and local officials,” said Mr Al Meghawi.
“The issue comes amid increasing scrutiny over land reclamation practices and water management in coastal urban areas.
“Environmental experts have warned that without adequate drainage infrastructure, reclaimed lands near the coast risk becoming breeding grounds for disease vectors and pollutants. We can’t afford to delay.”
He said people of Arad deserve action – not just promises.
“Let’s open the water channel and bring relief to the community,” he added.
The council approved the new proposal and forwarded it to Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister Wael Al Mubarak to discuss with other concerned ministers.
Council Chairman Abdulaziz Al Naar pledged to personally follow-up the case, raising concerns that it could have been lost in a bureaucratic process between ministries and government bodies.
Mr Al Naar
“The scene is disgusting and requires action,” said Mr Al Naar.
“The channel was approved following a thorough review of records five years ago, so something stalled it, most likely bureaucratic procedures.
“Hopefully, residents will be able to breathe fresh air soon.”
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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