Councillors are pushing for a rubberised pedestrian walkway in Bahrain’s second oldest housing town, Hamad Town – around 40 years after it opened.
In a renewed effort to improve public amenities and promote healthy living, western Hamad Town area councillor Abdulla Al Qobaisi, who represents constituency nine in the Northern Municipal Council, has once again called for the construction of a rubberised pedestrian walkway stretching from Roundabout Four to Roundabout Seven in Block 1207, Hamad Town.
Originally submitted to the Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry back in 2020, the proposal was previously rejected due to land width constraints – with the proposed site measuring 1,800 metres in length and 11m in width.
Complicating matters further, part of the land was utilised as part of the National Afforestation Initiative, and the area overlaps with key underground service lines.
In an effort to re-evaluate the proposal with a view towards overcoming earlier objections, Mr Al Qobaisi yesterday organised an on-site field visit to the proposed location.
The visit included representatives from the ministry, the Works Ministry, the Northern Municipality and the Electricity and Water Authority (EWA).
“I believe this project is not only feasible, but vital,” said Mr Al Qobaisi during the field tour.
“The people of Hamad Town, particularly Block 1207, deserve accessible and safe public spaces to walk, exercise and connect with their community.”
During the site visit, EWA officials acknowledged the technical possibility of relocating utility lines, provided that the materials used for the surface – whether bricks, asphalt or rubber – are clearly specified to assess the impact on existing services.
Meanwhile, representatives from the ministry highlighted the need for a secure perimeter fence due to the proximity of the site to a major and active road.
As a result of the renewed discussions, an agreement was reached to submit a formal request for technical permits from both the EWA and the roads directorate.
These permits will include detailed feasibility reports that will be shared with the Northern Municipal Council and the project task force.
Mr Al Qobaisi stressed that the proposal stems from an urgent and genuine need within the community, especially given the high population density in the area.
“There are not enough pedestrian walkways in Hamad Town or surrounding areas and the absence is deeply felt by the community,” he noted.
“We have young people, families and elderly residents who regularly walk along this stretch even without proper infrastructure.”
He added that the proposed walkway, if approved, would offer residents a safe, scenic space for exercise, as the path overlooks several archaeological and historical sites, giving the project both health and cultural value.
“It’s not just about infrastructure, it’s about identity, safety and quality of life,” Mr Al Qobaisi explained.
“The walkway would act as a recreational outlet and a means to encourage physical activity in line with Bahrain’s national health objectives.”
In addition to promoting public health, Mr Al Qobaisi pointed out that walkway project serves environmental and urban purposes, such as reducing traffic congestion, improving pedestrian safety and enhancing the urban landscape.
“Every neighbourhood deserves open spaces and sustainable mobility options. This walkway aligns with Bahrain’s vision for modern, people-centred cities,” he said.
“It’s a small but meaningful investment in our community’s well-being.”
Mr Al Qobaisi promised that he will follow up persistently with the relevant ministries to ensure the project gets the green light.
“This project has been on the table for years. The time to act is now. Let’s turn this stretch of Hamad Town into a model of liveability.”
The council is now awaiting technical assessments and permits from those concerned.
If approved, the project will proceed to the design and funding stage, potentially making it one of the first major urban improvement initiatives in Hamad Town in recent years focused specifically on walkability and public health.
Residents of Block 1207 and nearby areas are encouraged to share feedback or express their support through the Northern Municipal Council’s public outreach platform.
Mr Al Qobaisi has pledged to involve the community in all stages of the planning and design process.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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