Worshippers Spill Into Streets… Land Set for Change

TDT | Manama

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People standing outside during peak prayers is no longer an exception in Jid Al Haj, but a repeated scene, as limited space and ageing facilities continue to push growing numbers beyond the walls of existing religious buildings.

Decision

In response to this reality, the Northern Municipal Council approved a proposal by First Constituency representative Dr. Sayed Shubbar Ibrahim Al Wadaei to reclassify Property No. 04010535 from agricultural investment to religious services. The recommendation is now referred to the Minister of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture.

The move reflects a shift toward addressing long-standing community pressure, as the current space is no longer sufficient to meet daily and seasonal demand.

Need

Dr. Al Wadaei explained that the proposal is grounded in the endowment document governing the property, which requires its use for religious purposes, ensuring the land serves its intended role.

He highlighted that the existing matam suffers from structural limitations and constrained space, with facilities that fall short of accommodating attendees, particularly during major religious occasions when crowds increase and pressure on the surrounding area intensifies.

Impact

For residents, the issue extends beyond capacity.

The current agricultural classification carries the risk of allowing uses that could introduce noise, emissions, and environmental discomfort into an already dense residential setting, raising concerns over quality of life and daily stability.

Dr. Al Wadaei noted that similar situations have previously led to complaints, reinforcing the urgency of preventing such outcomes before they take hold in the area.

With the council’s approval, the proposal now moves forward as part of a broader effort to bring planning decisions closer to lived reality, as residents continue to wait for a solution that reflects the pressures they face daily and restores balance between community needs and land use on the ground.