New taskforce to tackle growing problem of abandoned houses in Hamad Town

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com

Email: ashen@newsofbahrain.com

A taskforce has been set up to tackle the growing problem of abandoned buildings in Hamad Town, following a meeting at the Northern Governorate Municipal Council. Officials from several departments gathered yesterday to consider the issue.

The session, convened by council member Abdulla Al Qubaisi, discussed the threat these neglected homes pose to the area.

“Dozens of these vacant homes, currently being tallied by the relevant authorities, have become hotbeds for crime and drug abuse,” Al Qubaisi told The Daily Tribune.

Dr Sayyed Shbbar Al Wadai, who will oversee the taskforce, outlined the gravity of the situation.

“Properties left in disrepair not only pose safety risks but also facilitate illegal activities, diminishing the quality of life for local residents,” Al Wadai said.

His concern reflected the broader frustration of the local population, who have long been at the mercy of authorities dragging their feet.

Debate

Engineer Reda Jassim, from the Electricity and Water Authority (EWA), lent his voice to the debate, pointing out that the EWA had already begun addressing the issue in practical terms.

Steps include cutting off power from abandoned buildings and conducting safety checks.

“Our annual maintenance programme is in place to identify and rectify such issues before they turn into something far worse,” Jassim said.

Dr Hussain Al Jamari, a legal advisor to the Northern Municipality, highlighted the limitations faced by the council when it comes to enforcement.

“The council can only intervene when buildings are an immediate danger or at risk of collapse,” he said, advocating for changes to Article 18 of the Buildings Regulation Act.

Authority

He suggested the council be given the authority to transfer problematic properties to the Ministry of Housing.

The Ministry of Housing, for its part, finds itself tied up in red tape.

The problem, as it stands, is that many of the derelict buildings in Hamad Town are privately owned.

Although the Ministry reviews housing projects annually and steps in when absolutely necessary, its hands are tied when it comes to private properties.

If a building is deemed dangerous, the case is referred to the courts, which then assess whether legal action is required.

Security concerns

Captain Salem Murad, from the Northern Governorate Police Directorate, explained how the police are dealing with security concerns related to these buildings.

Working closely with the municipal council and other authorities, the police have identified unsafe properties and, when necessary, overseen their demolition.

They’ve also worked with property owners to secure these buildings and prevent criminal activity.

Challenges

Though each department faces its own set of challenges, the meeting resulted in the creation of this taskforce, which will coordinate efforts moving forward.

Led by the Northern Governorate Municipal Council, the taskforce will inspect and follow up on abandoned properties, working in tandem with the EWA, the Ministry of Housing, and the police.

The goal is to find long-term solutions to the issue and bring safety and peace back to the residents of the Northern Governorate.