Roads Under Pressure

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

Metal poles, concrete blocks and chains have turned public streets into private spaces, as authorities move to reclaim roads following mounting complaints from residents.

In Manama’s older neighbourhoods, this scene has become familiar. Iron stakes driven into the asphalt, concrete barriers placed along kerbs, and chains stretched across pedestrian pathways have restricted access to roads meant for everyone. For many residents, the impact is immediate, ranging from struggling to find parking to navigating narrowed streets and blocked pavements.

The issue has now triggered a formal government response. During its 301st meeting, the ministerial committee for development projects and infrastructure, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, directed authorities to intensify inspection campaigns and remove unauthorised structures across the Kingdom.

The move follows public concerns highlighted by our sister newspaper Al Ayam, which documented the spread of violations affecting roads and public facilities.

Pressure

Residents describe the situation as placing a growing strain on daily life. In areas already facing limited parking, barriers placed by individuals have further reduced available space, disrupted traffic flow and increased tension among neighbours.

Many stressed that public roads are a shared right, warning that individual control over these spaces undermines fairness and denies others access to essential facilities.

“Public roads belong to everyone,” one resident said. “When someone treats the street as their private parking space, it affects the whole community.”

Parliament

A related issue has also drawn attention in Parliament, where MPs backed calls for stricter penalties against the illegal occupation of roads and pavements.

Discussions highlighted a range of violations, including the placement of barriers, construction materials and commercial items without authorisation. Members warned that existing penalties might not deter repeat offenders.

Response

Officials confirmed that inspection campaigns will intensify in the coming period, targeting unauthorised installations, blocked pathways and any structures affecting normal road use.

Khalid Saif Al Thawadi from the Urban Planning and Development Authority said that coordination with municipalities is ongoing to monitor violations and restore the proper use of public roads.

Residents have welcomed the renewed focus on enforcement, expressing hope that sustained action will ease congestion, improve safety and restore fairness in the use of public spaces.