Muharraq Municipal Council Tackles Parking Issues, Transport Challenges, and Dilapidated Houses

TDT | Manama     

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

The Muharraq Municipal Council held a meeting to discuss the ongoing issue of lorries and vehicles parked in unauthorised locations. Representatives from the Ministry of Transport and Telecommunications, General Directorate of Traffic and Licensing, Labour Market Regulatory Authority, Ministry of Industry and Commerce, and Muharraq Municipality participated in the discussion.

A key concern raised was the parking of large lorries in residential areas, often on pavements. Some companies claimed a lack of designated parking spaces, a requirement for businesses operating lorries. Others cited the distance between parking areas and drivers as a reason for non-compliance. However, the council firmly rejected these justifications, emphasising that licensing requirements are clear and must be adhered to.

The discussion also addressed the issue of taxis, including official taxis, app-based ride-hailing services, and unlicensed drivers offering transportation services on a per-trip or monthly contract basis.

Council members highlighted the need to review existing laws and regulations, particularly regarding the monitoring of food delivery companies to ensure compliance. Additionally, they called for a mechanism to address the problem of non-Bahraini vehicles parked in residential areas for extended periods.

Addressing Dilapidated Houses:

The council also discussed the issue of abandoned and dilapidated houses. Khalid Al Qalaf, Director General of Muharraq Municipality, explained that the municipality coordinates regularly with the Muharraq Governorate Police Directorate to identify such houses and temporarily seal them to prevent their use for illegal activities.

"The municipality's Inspection and Cleaning Department monitors dilapidated properties, prepares technical reports on their structural condition, and notifies the owners of the need to obtain the necessary permits for repairs or demolition. Additionally, the municipality collaborates with relevant government agencies on this issue," he stated while discussing the issue of dilapidated houses, adding: "In cases where abandoned and dilapidated houses pose an imminent threat, the municipality takes immediate action by issuing the necessary permits for repairs or demolition,"

Financial Support for Dilapidated Houses:

The council's Finance and Legal Committee recommended allocating a budget for a project to address dilapidated houses in the 2025-2026 budget. This project aims to assist low-income Bahraini families and ensure their access to decent housing.