Shura to Vote on Limiting Construction Hours in Residential Areas

TDT | Manama

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Residents may finally get some quiet as the Shura Council pushes forward a proposal to limit construction hours, offering a long-awaited breather from the ceaseless racket.

This proposed amendment to Bahrain’s building organisation Law, backed by the Public Utilities and Environment Committee, would give the minister—working with local councils—the authority to set times and days when building, demolition, and excavation work would be off-limits in residential areas, aimed at creating a quieter environment for residents.

The proposal, put forth by members Lina Qasim, Dr Jehad Al Fadhel, Dalal Al Zayed, Dr Mohammed Ali Hassan Ali, and Tareq Jaleel Al Safar, seeks to improve daily life by curbing noise disturbances. The committee revisited the proposal after Council Chairman Ali Al Saleh requested a fresh review of earlier reports from a previous committee. On 27 October, committee members examined the proposal’s impact, taking feedback from both the Legislative and Legal Affairs Committee and the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture. Initially introduced earlier this year, the plan has already been reviewed in three committee sessions held in March.

If passed, the amendment would add a provision to Article (20) of the Constructional Organisation of Buildings Law, allowing the minister to set specific working hours in residential areas, with allowances made for emergencies such as urgent repairs to essential services like water or sewage systems.

The Legislative and Legal Affairs Committee has approved the amendment, stating that it aligns with Bahrain’s legal standards. However, some officials from the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture expressed concern over potential conflicts with Bahrain’s Labour Law, which already regulates certain private sector activities, including construction work.

Despite these concerns, the Public Utilities and Environment Committee is resolute, viewing the change as a response to longstanding complaints about noise in residential areas. Members agreed that the amendment provides the minister with sufficient flexibility to enforce working hours, while still accommodating urgent repairs outside the restricted times.

Ali Al Shehabi has been appointed as the main rapporteur for the proposal on this amendment. The final report recommends Council approval, stressing the amendment’s potential to offer a calmer, more restful atmosphere for residents.

The proposal is set to be discussed and voted on in the Council on Sunday. If approved, it will require cooperation between the ministry and local councils to implement and enforce the new regulations, helping residents enjoy a quieter living environment.