Muharraq Municipality Tackles Abandoned and Dilapidated Houses

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com

Numerous architectural treasures that embody Muharraq’s storied past are on the brink of collapse, with their future precariously uncertain. Efforts are underway to save these irreplaceable structures.

During its Monday session, the Muharraq Governorate Municipal Council took a significant step towards addressing the issue of abandoned and dilapidated houses in the city. The Council resolved to refer the matter to its Committee on Houses at Risk of Collapse for further investigation and action.

This initiative aligns with directives from His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to preserve Bahrain's historical and cultural identity. This is particularly important in Muharraq, where many houses feature a distinctive heritage style.

Khaled Al-Qallaf, Director General of the Muharraq Municipality, emphasised the importance of preserving these heritage structures. He acknowledged that some houses are in danger of collapse but stressed that demolition is not the first option. Instead, the municipality prioritises contacting homeowners and urging them to undertake necessary restorations to ensure public safety.

However, identifying and contacting homeowners presents a significant challenge. Many of these houses belong to deceased owners, requiring coordination with the Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs, and Waqf to locate and contact legal heirs. Al-Qallaf highlighted the ongoing efforts to obtain this information, noting that the process can be time-consuming.

In cases where houses require immediate intervention, the municipality may take action to preserve them, balancing heritage conservation with public safety. If homeowners refuse to cooperate with restoration efforts, legal action may be pursued.

Ahmed Shabib, Secretary of the Council, reported that the Committee on Houses at Risk of Collapse has already assessed 400 houses, categorising them based on their level of risk. However, the committee faces obstacles, including difficulties gaining access to some properties despite collaboration with the municipality, police, and Ministry of Health.

Furthermore, the limited budget allocated for house demolitions restricts the pace of action. Currently, only one to two houses can be demolished per month.