Dilapidated buildings being demolished or restored in Adliya's Block 338

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

A dilapidated building was razed in Block 338 area as part of the Capital Governorate’s efforts to preserve and renovate key tourist areas. According to Capital Municipality Director-General Mohammed Al Sahli, three more buildings will be demolished in the coming days.

Mohammed toured the area along with representatives of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority yesterday to study construction violations and cleanliness. The demolition is being carried out as per the implementation of Law No 42 of 2014, which amends some provisions of the Building Regulations Law of 1977.

He pointed out that the governorate is carrying out regular inspections to ensure that dilapidated buildings are razed or restored after holding talks with the building owner. “We are also in a major beautification drive that includes cutting and pruning trees, modifying night lights, increasing the green area as well as planting aesthetic saplings. “The inspection drive is ongoing and it includes specialists from departments of Health, Commerce Ministry as well as members of the media. Periodic cleaning services will also be reviewed.”

He said the Ministry of Works, Municipality Affairs and Urban Planning is keen on developing Block 338 as the iconic symbol of tourism in the Kingdom. Muharraq Municipality carried out the demolition of dilapidated buildings or structures coming under its jurisdiction. The municipality said that the move intends to thwart dangers that pose threats to the lives of citizens and residents in the area.

The buildings were identified following field inspections carried out by the municipality officials. The renowned “Kuwaiti Building” in the centre of Manama was demolished last year after a judicial dispute for more than a decade between the Ministry of Municipalities and the owners.

The building has been evacuated from tenants since 2006 after the Manama Municipality filed an urgent lawsuit to demolish it and its ruling was upheld by the Appeal Court.