Cameras to be installed in Muharraq parks following nighttime drug use and vandalism reports

TDT | Manama

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Cameras are to be installed across public parks in Muharraq to deter drug use and vandalism, following a vote by the municipal council. The proposal was brought forward by councillor Mohammed Al Mahmood after residents reported groups loitering in parks after dark, with some suspected of using narcotics.

He said families no longer felt safe, and that damage to park property was becoming more frequent.

He called for round-the-clock monitoring. The cameras will be linked to a control room, with recordings kept for at least 30 days.

He also suggested posting security staff at key locations, either from the municipality or licensed private firms, in coordination with the Interior Ministry.

Public spaces

Municipality director general Khalid Al Qallaf said the work would begin at major parks before being extended in stages to other pub- lic spaces.

A l Mahmood said behviour in the parks had worsened in recent months.

With more people visiting and no staff present to keep order, there had been a rise in vandalism, smoking in family areas and drug-taking during the evening hours.

Speed limit

In the same session, councillor Mohammed Al Moqahwi called for the speed limit to be reduced on Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Bridge.

He said lorry drivers were repeatedly ignoring traffic laws, leading to a string of deadly crashes.

The bridge is a major link between key areas, and any accident causes long queues. He urged the authorities to deal more firmly with reckless drivers before more lives are lost.

Al Qallaf also addressed reports that demolition work on derelict heritage-listed homes had been halted.

Demolitions

He said procedures were being reviewed but that the demolitions had not stopped.

The municipality is working with the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA) to decide which buildings should be dealt with first.

The council has asked for an updated list of buildings under review.

Another proposal by the council, to replace metal gas cylinders with plastic alternatives, is being studied by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce.

Initial review In a written reply, Undersecretary Eman Al Doseri said the Inspection and Standards Directorate had completed an initial review of relevant regulations across the Gulf.

The matter is also being reviewed by the Civil Defence department.

The results will be shared with the council once the process is completed.