The government has been urged to tighten enforcement on construction, demolition and excavation activities that continue late into the night or during holidays, shattering the tranquility of neighbourhoods and robbing residents of their sleep.
The Northern Municipal Council unanimously approved a proposal calling on Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister Wael Al Mubarak to issue a ministerial resolution regulating the timing of construction and maintenance works across the kingdom.
Councillor Abdulla Ashoor said the initiative was prompted by a growing number of complaints from residents about contractors carrying out works during inappropriate hours.
“There is currently no clear legal framework regulating the timing of construction, demolition or excavation work in residential neighbourhoods,” he said. “Some contractors begin work late at night, on public holidays or during weekends, creating constant noise and causing serious inconvenience to families.”
He claimed that the lack of regulation has even fuelled social tensions between neighbours.
“The continuous exposure to noise and disruption has led to avoidable community disputes in several areas,” he added. “People deserve peace and quiet in their own homes.”
According to the memorandum attached to the proposal, there is no specific provision in the Building Regulation Law issued by Legislative Decree No (13) of 1977 that sets permissible working hours for noisy construction activities. Nor is there a clearly defined authority tasked with setting such hours or imposing fines on violators.
Mr Ashoor noted that the Shura Council had previously discussed a legislative proposal to amend the 1977 law by introducing a new clause that would empower the minister – working in co-ordination with municipal councils – to determine restricted days and hours for construction activities in residential areas, including provisions for exceptional cases.
“However, given the urgent public need, we believe a ministerial decision can be issued without waiting for further legislative amendments,” he said.
“We need immediate action to protect residents from unnecessary disturbance, especially with the continued urban development and construction activity across Bahrain.”
Councillors stressed that Bahrain’s rapid urban expansion has accelerated construction activity, making the need for clear and enforceable time regulations more urgent than ever.
“With increasing development comes greater responsibility,” Mr Ashoor said. “We must ensure that progress does not come at the expense of residents’ well-being.”
Northern Municipal Council financial, administrative and legislative committee chairman Dr Mohsin Abdulla said the recommendation reflects a balance between development needs and community well-being.
“Our goal isn’t to hinder construction or investment,” he said. “It’s simply to regulate working hours to ensure greater comfort and safety for nearby residents.”
He added that the proposal seeks to create a calmer environment around construction sites across the country.
“It will help reduce noise and ease the social tensions that often arise between neighbours during holidays and rest days,” he added.
The unanimously approved recommendation will now be forwarded to Mr Al Mubarak for consideration.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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