The Capital Trustees Board is spearheading a shift towards a smarter, more cost-effective approach to safeguarding regional parks, following a recommendation to gradually replace traditional human guards with advanced electronic surveillance systems.
The proposal, submitted by services and public utilities committee chairman Mohammed Tawfeeq Al Abbas, was unanimously approved at a meeting held recently.
It calls for a phased transition that aligns with Bahrain’s broader smart city agenda while maintaining public safety and improving operational efficiency.
Board chairman Saleh Tarradah said the initiative represents a strategic shift in the management and protection of public facilities.
“Our responsibility is to ensure that public parks remain safe, welcoming and sustainable,” Mr Tarradah said.
“Technology today allows us to enhance security standards, ensure continuous monitoring and at the same time reduce long-term operational costs. I believe this proposal balances innovation with practicality.”
Under the plan, selected regional parks would initially be equipped with high-definition surveillance cameras, motion sensors and alarm systems covering entrances, walkways and other vital areas. These systems would be linked directly to central operations rooms at the Capital Municipality and relevant security authorities, allowing for rapid response to incidents.
Mr Tarradah stressed that the transition would be gradual and carefully evaluated.
Mr Tarradah
“We are not rushing into a blanket implementation,” he said.
“The recommendation is to pilot the system in a number of parks, assess performance and public feedback, and then decide on wider application based on evidence and results.”
Mr Al Abbas said the proposal has been designed to modernise park security without compromising safety.
“The aim is not simply to replace guards, but to significantly upgrade the entire safety and monitoring framework in our parks,” he said. “Electronic surveillance systems today offer high accuracy, night-vision capabilities and continuous coverage that is difficult to achieve through human presence alone.”
He added that the committee’s study showed the transition could reduce annual operating and maintenance costs related to human guards by as much as 60 per cent, freeing up budgets for park development, landscaping and essential maintenance.
“By directing savings towards improving facilities and services, we enhance the visitor experience and encourage greater use of public spaces,” Mr Al Abbas said. “This is a clear win for residents and visitors alike.”
Mr Al Abbas
According to the committee, the proposed system would also include secure central or cloud-based data storage, ensuring footage is safely archived and accessible when needed. Clear signage would be installed in parks to inform visitors that areas are under 24-hour electronic surveillance, reinforcing deterrence and public awareness.
The initiative is also expected to support Bahrain’s digital transformation goals within municipal services, improving co-ordination between departments and strengthening links with emergency and security agencies.
“If approved by the relevant authorities, the pilot phase could mark a significant shift in how public spaces in the Capital Governorate are protected – combining technology, efficiency and modern urban management,” said Mr Al Abbas.
“Safe, well-managed parks are a cornerstone of urban quality of life. This proposal ensures we are using the best tools available to protect them, today and in the future.”
The proposal has been forwarded to Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister Wael Al Mubarak and if approved, could be implemented nationwide starting with the Capital Governorate as a pilot area.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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