MPs push to halt BD110 dumpster charges ‘burdening’ restaurants

TDT | Manama

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An urgent motion seeks to stop municipalities charging restaurants BD110 and above each month for placing dumpsters on the street beside their premises, arguing the levies add weight to running costs in today’s economy.

The proposal asks for the fees to be halted and for the service and its pricing to be reviewed so different trades are treated fairly without cutting the municipal role in street cleanliness.

It is sponsored by Dr Mahdi Al Shuwaikh, First Deputy Speaker Abdulnabi Salman, Eman Shuwaiter, Hisham Al Ashiri and Second Deputy Speaker Ahmed Qarata.

Waste collection

Dr Al Shuwaikh said waste collection is a basic municipal service set up to protect health and keep residential and commercial areas presentable.

He noted that some outlets, particularly restaurants, have been charged more than BD110 a month for a nearby dumpster.

Backers say fixed charges tied to a core service strain smaller eateries and risk forcing some to close.

Balance

The text sets out a balance: keep streets clean while easing a flat cost that, they argue, bears little relation to outlet size or takings.

They add that leaving the fees in place is likely to feed through to menu prices, raising everyday costs for customers.

The motion calls for a wider look at fixed municipal charges on businesses to strike a fair line between town hall income and the staying power of small and mid-sized firms.