16-05-2025
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.
