Acquire seafronts, use them for public services, urge MPs

Parliamentarians will discuss in a few days a proposal submitted by a group of MPs asking the Government to acquire seafronts to use them for public services.

The presenters of the proposal explained that they look forward to reducing private proprieties on the coasts of the island, providing more costal spaces for citizens and residents to practice their hobbies and leisure relaxation.

The proposal was submitted by MPs Abdulhaleem Murad, Ahmed Qarata, Anas Buhindi, Abdulrahman Bumjaid and Mohammed Al Maarifi to the council’s Public Utilities and Environment Committee.

“The proposal will benefit the public as it would give more spaces for fishing lovers and other recreational activities. It supports that citizens are eligible of benefiting of the State’s public lands, including coastlines,” they explained.

The committee discussed the proposal and requested the Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Ministry, to provide it with its opinions and remarks.

In the ministry’s comments on the proposal, it mentioned that it supports the proposal adding it is in the framework of the 2030 vision for the Kingdom of Bahrain.

“The Urban Planning Department at the ministry is working to protect public coasts near major construction sites such as East Hidd and East Sitra housing projects, the seafront near Khalifa bin Salman Bridge and Marina Club, and the one between Bahrain Fort and Abu Subh Coast to northern parts of the island,” the ministry added. 

The ministry said that it’s planning to allocate 50 per cent of future costal investment projects to serve the public, including Naurana Island, Diyar Al Muharraq and Dilmunia projects.

The proposal was approved by committee members and will be voted on this week.