Owners of new commercial buildings could be obliged to provide a designated internal space for garbage containers and two parking spaces per apartment in future developments, if councillors have their way.
The Southern Municipal Council has unanimously approved two new construction regulation proposals aimed at improving public hygiene and addressing persistent parking shortages in residential areas.
Demands
Both initiatives were suggested by the council’s financial, administrative and legislative committee chairman Mohammed Daraj and backed by the council’s technical committee, chaired by Mubarak Faraj.
Mr Daraj said that the proposed regulations were a response to growing demands from citizens for cleaner and better-managed neighbourhoods, as well as solutions for parking congestion.
“The absence of proper garbage facilities in commercial buildings can lead to environmental hazards. Random containers are currently placed haphazardly, obstructing public spaces,” said Mr Daraj.
Mr Daraj
“This proposal seeks to institutionalise cleanliness and improve urban behaviour by making garbage containment a structural requirement rather than an afterthought.”
He added that this would prevent containers from being moved from place to place – a common practice that leads to confusion, spills, and unsanitary conditions in residential districts.
“Garbage containers should be made mandatory at all newly approved commercial buildings going forward,” he added.
In tandem with the proposal, Mr Daraj recommended the second initiative to mandate two parking spaces per residential apartment in new commercial developments.
“There is a parking crisis in Bahrain’s neighbourhoods. We can no longer afford to treat parking as a luxury, it’s a necessity,” Mr Daraj said.
“This proposal has been designed to pre-empt disputes between residents and reduce traffic congestion caused by overspill parking.”
He pointed out that urban density was increasing significantly and the infrastructure has to evolve accordingly.
The requirement is expected to ease tensions among neighbours and reduce illegal or disruptive parking in surrounding areas.
Mr Daraj remains confident that the proposals will proceed smoothly through the legislative pipeline.
“These are community-driven initiatives rooted in logic and everyday experience,” he said.
“They respond to real needs and are a proactive step towards modern, clean and organised urban living in Bahrain.”
Mr Faraj
Meanwhile, Mr Faraj strongly endorsed both proposals and confirmed their alignment with national development goals.
“These proposals are not just technical adjustments, they are part of a vision to create sustainable, well-organised and liveable urban environments,” said Mr Faraj.
“Designating garbage storage areas inside buildings will minimise clutter in public spaces and the new parking requirement will significantly improve neighbourhood order and reduce tension among residents.”
He emphasised the environmental, social, and aesthetic benefits of the changes, adding that the regulations would be included in Bahrain’s official building permit conditions if Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister Wael Al Mubarak grants final approval.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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