A new health centre could soon be set up in the rapidly growing Buhair Valley.
The Southern Municipal Council has unanimously approved a proposal to expropriate land for the purpose.
Council chairman and area councillor Abdulla Abdullatif emphasised the urgent need for the new facility, citing the area’s growing population and lack of nearby healthcare services.
“The area has witnessed extensive urban development, and the increasing number of residents has placed significant pressure on distant health centres,” he said.
“Establishing a local facility is essential to meet community needs and ensure fair access to basic medical services.
“Reducing the time it takes to reach medical services can help save lives.”
Mr Abdullatif
Mr Abdullatif said the new health centre could become a cornerstone of local public health infrastructure, addressing a critical gap in services and reinforcing Bahrain’s ongoing efforts to promote equitable access to healthcare across all regions. He also stressed the importance of selecting a strategic location to serve the largest number of residents and reduce travel times.
“The move is expected to attract further investment into the area, contributing to long-term community development and improved quality of life for residents of Buhair and surrounding neighbourhoods,” he said.
The council’s financial, administrative and legislative committee chairman Khalid Shajra said a detailed study of the proposal had been conducted.
“The recommendation to approve this expropriation of land is based on its clear alignment with principles of sustainable development, urban planning and service equity,” he said.
“Not only will the health centre serve a critical need, but it will also stimulate local economic activity by increasing the value of surrounding lands and creating new job opportunities.”
Mr Shajra
The proposal has been referred to the government for further action.
Capital Trustees Authority director-general and Southern Municipality acting director-general Mohammed Al Sehli welcomed the move.
“This is a clear example of responsive governance. The municipality supports any initiative that brings essential services closer to citizens, particularly in areas experiencing rapid demographic and infrastructure growth,” he stated.
“However, even if we approve acquiring the property, it will be again up to the Health Ministry to decide if it needs it or not.
“Also, the project’s financing needs to come from the Health Ministry’s allocated funding, and not ours.
“We can get the plot frozen for public purposes and then we need to see which ministry or government agency takes up the proposal.”
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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