MPs to Debate Al Eker Coastal Walkway Plan

TDT | Manama
Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

Al Eker’s coastline, long left to itself, could soon be opened up to the public, with MPs set to debate a plan on Tuesday for a new waterfront walkway. The stretch, which runs along Tubli Bay, is bordered by mangroves that serve as a natural barrier for marine life and a nesting ground for birds.

Supporters of the project say it would breathe life into a neglected part of the shoreline while keeping its natural features intact. The initiative, spearheaded by MP Mohsen Al Asbool, is linked to wider efforts to slow the effects of climate change.

The Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture has already mapped out a 1,966-square-meter section of land in Al Eker West as a public coastal zone and is working on reclassifying it for this purpose.

“We recognize the value of developing the coastline as a shared space, but work will depend on available funds and the usual approvals,” the ministry said in a note to Parliament.

The mangroves lining this part of the coast take in carbon dioxide at four to five times the rate of most trees. They also provide shelter for fish, crabs, and flocks of migratory birds. The plan, if carried out, would aim to balance public access with the natural order of the area.

Oil and Environment Minister Dr. Mohammed Bin Daina, in a written response, said the Supreme Council for Environment had no objections in principle, but that the development of walkways was not within its remit. “MPs should engage the relevant government bodies,” he said, adding that his ministry stood ready to offer guidance on environmental matters.

The proposal aligns with Bahrain’s push to expand mangrove cover, which has been a key environmental focus.

The Capital Municipality Council gave its backing, saying more open spaces would be welcomed where feasible. Parliament’s Public Utilities and Environment Committee has supported the proposal, saying it makes sense to give the public access to a stretch of coast that has long been overlooked.

If Parliament approves the plan, it will go to the government for a full review before a final decision is made.