Councillors seek to prioritise Bahrainis in Manama's parking and housing plans
Councillors in Manama have called for special privileges to be granted to Bahraini residents battling daily struggles over parking spaces and overcrowding in the city's central districts.
During a Capital Trustees Board meeting, chaired by Vice President Dr Kholoud Al Qattan, members spoke plainly about pressures on neighbourhoods in Manama and Qufool. At the heart of discussions were issues such as congestion, misuse of shared spaces, and unauthorised blocking of parking areas.
Dr Al Qattan argued that residents, especially Bahraini families, face genuine difficulties and suggested giving them priority access to parking and housing.
She added that it was understandable that local families felt squeezed by the current pressures, and urged practical steps to ease the strain.
Lamya Al Fadhala, acting head of the Capital Municipality, admitted the council currently lacked a clear system to manage parking fairly.
She recommended a thorough local survey and a system that would favour Bahraini residents over expatriates or caretakers accused of reserving public spaces illegally or even renting them out for profit.
Sayed Faisal, the council's administrative coordinator, presented a detailed list of improvements needed in Constituency Two.
His suggestions ranged from repairing playgrounds and expanding greenery, to sorting out the chaotic housing situation, clearing blocked pavements, and removing barriers causing traffic snarls.
Barriers
Addressing illegal parking practices specifically, Khalifa Al Kaabi, acting inspection chief, noted that council inspectors were regularly removing posts, cones, and barriers placed illegally to reserve parking.
He clarified that only obstacles set up without official permits from the Ministry of Works were being cleared.
Council member Dr Abdulhassan Abbas rounded off discussions by urging colleagues to give renewed attention to Manama's traditional Bahraini character, pressing the council to protect the capital's heritage from fading amid growing urban pressures.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Tribune
8 hours ago
- Daily Tribune
Shura reviews 30-day grace period for work permit renewals
A 30-day window to renew expat work permits and a cap on how many can be issued has been proposed during a review by the Shura Council's Services Committee. The committee, chaired by Dr Jameela Mohamed Redha Al Salman, met yesterday to discuss two amendments to Bahrain's 2006 law on labour market regulation. Present at the meeting were Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) Chief Executive Nibras Mohamed Talib and Labour Ministry Labour Relations Director Mai Hassan Al Asmi, along with senior staff from both bodies. One proposal seeks to give employers an extra month to renew work permits without facing penalties. As things stand, failure to renew on time means sanctions under Article 36 of the law. The second proposal calls for the national labour market plan to set a fixed upper limit on the number of permits granted by the LMRA. Current wording leaves that decision open-ended. Also on the table was a draft law to regulate artistic professions. The proposal, submitted by members Nancy Deena Elly Khedouri, Dalal Al Zayed, Khalid Al Maskati, Redha Faraj and Dr Mohamed Al Khozaie, would require anyone working in the arts to obtain a licence from the minister. The draft sets out a plan to issue professional cards to Bahraini artists, giving them access to certain benefits. It also includes the creation of a fund to support artistic work and provide backing for artists in the country. The draft further calls for stronger legal cover for those working in the arts, aiming to treat the field as a recognised line of work. It includes provisions for financial and social backing for Bahraini artists and refers to the arts as part of Bahrain's cultural identity.
Daily Tribune
2 days ago
- Daily Tribune
Media is the Mirror of Our Nation's Growth
TDT | Manama His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, led the ninth edition of the Prime Minister's Award for Journalism today, honouring Bahrain's most distinguished media professionals. Held under his patronage, the ceremony was a powerful affirmation of the press as a cornerstone of Bahrain's progress. HRH the Crown Prince hailed the national media as a vital development partner—one that not only documents Bahrain's achievements, but also shapes public awareness and supports national ambitions in line with the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. "Journalists are the voice of our people, the chroniclers of our journey, and the eyes through which the world sees Bahrain's progress,' HRH Prince Salman said, addressing an audience of senior officials, media leaders, and award-winning journalists. He praised the integrity and professionalism of Bahrain's press community, underscoring its role in empowering society and strengthening the nation's foundations. 2025 Journalism Trailblazers Honoured This year's awards recognised exceptional achievements across a spectrum of journalistic disciplines: Journalism Personality of the Year: Issa Al Shaiji, Editor-in-Chief of Al Ayam Best Column: Dr. Abdulla Ahmed Al-Madani, Al Ayam Best Investigative Journalism: Ali Al Fardan, Al Bilad Best Interview: Mohammed Qasim Al-Saei, Akhbar Al Khaleej Best Photography: Sultan Jassim Al Haddad, Bahrain News Agency Best Digital Platform: Faisal Mohammed Al-Ali, Al Watan Best Visual Content: Ali Abdulkhaleq, Akhbar Al Khaleej Best Infographic Report: Jamil Ahmed Sarhan, Akhbar Al Khaleej Best Niche Page/Supplement: Amal Al Aradi, Al Bilad – Women's Section Best University Project: "Turathna/Our Heritage", led by students from Gulf University's Media and Public Relations Department HRH Prince Salman congratulated the winners, urging them to continue elevating Bahrain's media landscape and empowering the nation through responsible and impactful journalism. A Platform for Progress and Accountability HRH the Crown Prince reaffirmed the government's commitment to enabling a free and dynamic media sector—one that is equipped with the tools to thrive in a fast-evolving digital age. He emphasized the media's investigative and oversight roles as critical to national development, fostering transparency, and supporting reform. 'The press holds a mirror to our society. Through your words and lenses, you help build the nation. That responsibility is both powerful and sacred,' he said. A Tribute from the Ministry of Information Minister of Information, HE Dr. Ramzan bin Abdullah Al-Noaimi, thanked His Majesty the King for his enduring support of the media and extended heartfelt appreciation to HRH the Crown Prince for his patronage of the event. Marking the 25th anniversary of the Bahrain Journalists Association, the Minister hailed the occasion as a milestone for Bahraini journalism. He noted that the awards not only recognize excellence, but ignite new ambition. 'Today's honorees carry the torch for future generations of journalists—brave, informed, and committed to the truth.' A Night of Gratitude and Inspiration Award winners expressed deep appreciation for HRH Prince Salman's unwavering support of the media sector. For them, the recognition is more than an accolade—it is a motivation to continue shining a light on stories that matter and voices that need to be heard. As the curtains closed on the 2025 Prime Minister's Award for Journalism, one message rang clear: In Bahrain, journalism is not only celebrated—it is empowered, protected, and positioned as a driving force in the nation's journey forward.
Daily Tribune
2 days ago
- Daily Tribune
MP renews call for ‘mandatory' dashcams, stiffer road penalties
TDT | Manama Renewed calls for mandatory dashcams and stiffer road penalties have followed the deaths of a young Bahraini couple in a recent crash that also left their children injured. MP Dr Maryam Al Dhaen said the collision exposed the need for greater discipline behind the wheel and the adoption of practical tools to help prevent loss of life and damage to property. She welcomed the directive from His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to prepare legislation raising penalties for traffic offences that lead to serious injury or death. The move, she noted, signals an intent to create safer conditions on the roads. Dr Al Dhaen also recalled a proposal she filed in March urging drivers to install dashboard cameras. These devices, she said, help encourage self-awareness, deter reckless conduct, and offer crucial evidence in the absence of witnesses or street cameras, especially in cases of disputed crashes or staged incidents. The suggestion, she added, sits in line with broader efforts to improve road manners. 'There's a shared duty to protect lives,' she said. 'Together, preventive tools and stronger rules can help bring about lasting change.'
