Southern Municipal Council Presses for Immediate Action on Public Parks

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

Concern

Members of the Southern Municipal Council have raised firm concerns over delays affecting public parks and recreational facilities, stressing that prolonged inaction has left residents without adequate spaces for leisure and community activity. Councillors underlined that public parks are not optional amenities, but essential services that directly affect quality of life, particularly for children and families.

Delays

During the council’s eleventh meeting of the fourth legislative term, members questioned the pace at which park projects are being developed and maintained, noting that several sites remain underutilised despite repeated discussions and commitments. Attention was drawn to the absence of clear timelines, with members warning that continued postponement undermines the purpose of allocating land for public use.

Safrah Park

Discussion focused on Safrah Park, which members described as a key community facility with significant potential. Councillors highlighted that residents, especially children, have been waiting since the previous summer to benefit from the park’s facilities, yet progress has remained limited. Members noted that the delay contrasts sharply with community expectations and the stated objectives of municipal development.

Planning

Council members also questioned whether sufficient planning and follow-up mechanisms are in place to ensure that recreational projects move from approval to execution. They pointed to the need for clearer coordination between concerned authorities, particularly in relation to tenders, implementation stages and the provision of supporting services.

Ownership

The council chairman requested a comprehensive list of parks that have yet to be formally transferred under municipal ownership, noting that uncertainty over ownership affects maintenance, development and accountability. Members stressed that clarity in this area is essential to enable effective decision making and timely intervention.

Action

Members agreed that public parks must receive priority attention, calling for decisive measures to activate existing facilities and prevent further delays. They affirmed that the council will continue to pursue the matter until tangible progress is achieved and parks are made fully accessible to the community.