23-07-2025
Ras Raya jetty, Bahrain's fish hub, left high and dry for 17 years
Ras Raya jetty in Muharraq, a landing site that supplies most of Bahrain's fish markets, remains without electricity or running water 17 years after its opening.
The jetty, which opened in 2008, was intended to support local fishermen with service buildings and mooring space.
While the buildings were constructed, none are in use due to the absence of power and water connections.
Fishermen say this has left them struggling to maintain their boats, store equipment safely, or even carry out repairs.
Visit
Muharraq Municipal Council member Fadhil Al Oud, who represents the Sixth Constituency, visited the site to meet fishermen and inspect conditions.
He said the port continues to lack the basics such as lighting, washrooms, drinking water and a mosque.
He called for a budget to be set aside for repairs and service upgrades.
Fishermen from Dair and Samaheej said the jetty's condition affects both their earnings and safety.
Boats
Some have had to move their boats away from the main dock, known locally as 'the jetty', as it has been submerged for years.
Rising tides, they say, could soon engulf other sections of the port, damaging engines that rely on freshwater cooling.
Others recounted the closure of a small ice and water factory once set up by a private investor.
It allowed fishermen to stock up near the jetty rather than travel to Hidd or further.
But the operation folded, they said, due to the high cost of fuelling diesel generators.
Generators
Since then, some have paid as much as BD20 a day to run their own generators while working.
There are no working storage sheds either.
Earlier attempts by the authorities to install metal cabins failed.
The interiors became unbearably hot, there was no shelter above, and the units were prone to leaks.
Theft
Many fishermen now leave their tools in the open or risk theft.
Several have reported ropes, traps and other gear going missing.
Fishermen have suggested allowing small personal storage cabins and fitting cameras at the jetty's entrance to help reduce theft.
They also called for a review of the current penalties for marine infractions, saying fines starting from BD300 are too high given the nature of their work and income.
Proposal
Al Oud added that he had submitted a proposal four years ago to fix the problem and followed up with the authorities.
The matter, he said, has yet to move.
He said fishermen continue to face daily trouble, and many have been left to work in unsuitable conditions despite the jetty's role in meeting most of the local demand for fish.
