Residents of Muharraq to Remain in Homes Amidst Redevelopment Project

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com   

A recent development in the Muharraq redevelopment project has brought relief to several families who were initially facing displacement. Dalal Al Maqhawi, a member of the Muharraq Municipal Council, confirmed to the News of Bahrain that the Ministry of Municipalities and Agriculture has begun sending text messages to residents informing them that their properties will not be expropriated as part of the project.

Al Maqhawi, who has been actively advocating for the residents, stated that seven properties have been removed from the expropriation list, allowing families to remain in their homes. This decision follows her close collaboration with the Ministry of Municipalities and Agriculture and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning.

While residents are relieved to stay in their homes, they are hopeful that they will be offered housing units within the Muharraq development project. Many of their homes are in a dilapidated state, and they wish to remain in the area.

The first phase of the project will include the construction of 300 housing units, with a larger plan to provide 2,000 units in partnership with the private sector. The project also includes the restoration of 16 heritage buildings along the Pearling Path for tourism and cultural activities.

Al Maqhawi highlighted the case of one family of four who currently live in a single room and a living room in a crumbling house. Another resident is an elderly woman whose home is also in dire need of repair. Both families are eager to secure new housing within the development project.

Earlier this month, Al Maqhawi had expressed concerns about the impact of the redevelopment project on residents of the second constituency in Muharraq. She had noted that an initial list of properties had been issued by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning for valuation and potential expropriation to expand alleyways, create parking spaces, and develop green areas.

Al Maqhawi had personally formed a WhatsApp group with residents who were dissatisfied with the offered compensation, aiming to understand their concerns and relay them to the Ministry. She discovered that seven families had rejected the compensation offer, as their current homes were their only residences and the offered amount wouldn’t allow them to relocate. These families, deeply rooted in Muharraq, were determined to stay in the area.

Following her communication with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, Al Maqhawi confirmed that these families will remain in their homes, and the Ministry will explore suitable solutions to ensure their continued residency.