A plan to privatise all of Bahrain’s public parks has been tabled by MPs.
The proposal has been submitted to the office of parliament chairwoman Fouzia Zainal, with the chamber due to resume meetings next month after its summer recess.
It is based on a perceived lack of government funding and oversight of facilities, which are often targeted by vandals.
“The time has come for the country’s public parks, walkways and gardens to be fully privatised,” MP Mohammed Buhmood told the GDN.
“Proper investment would see them become proper family destinations.
“At the moment, those municipal facilities are deserted because they lack attractive entertainment, leisure and sports facilities.
“Putting exercise equipment in some of the parks is a nice thought, but not when outdoor activities in Bahrain are unattractive for 10 months of the year – if not more.”
The Southern Municipal Council imposed entrance fees at major parks and gardens in its governorate last year, in an effort to deter vandals.
However, in May the Northern Municipal Council decided not to follow suit – with its members saying parks are so rundown they are not worth paying for admission.
Meanwhile, facilities at public parks in Muharraq were sealed in January following complaints of vandalism, looting and anti-social activities.
As a result toilets, store rooms, rest rooms and prayer areas were shuttered to prevent further destruction.
That decision was taken by the Muharraq Municipal Council, which claimed parks had been unattended for years due to government spending cuts.
It said the vandalism had continued despite fees being imposed on using public toilets in parks.
Mr Buhmood said the public would be happy to pay for using recreation facilities, but only if they were properly managed.
“If an investor puts places to proper use with innovative concepts that satisfy people, neither they nor I would mind paying 500 fils for entry – in addition to the cost of services on offer,” he said.
The call to privatise Bahrain’s public recreation facilities has been welcomed by Muharraq Municipal Council chairman Ghazi Al Murbati, who said it was the only way to develop them.
“The government has limited resources,” he said.
“It can only afford stone age facilities. Offering them to investors will make them attractive and generate money.
“However, not all facilities are suitable. Some are small and unappealing, both to investors and people living in the area.”
The privatisation plan must first be reviewed by parliament’s public utilities and environment affairs committee before any vote is taken.
However, not all MPs are in favour of the idea – with one suggesting alternative solutions existed.
“Most public parks, walkways and gardens are not fenced so they are subject to vandalism and criminal activity, even in the presence of security guards and surveillance cameras,” said MP Ahmed Al Salloom.
“There should be proper fences and gates – and families should be entrusted with keys.”
Bahrain’s private sector is already playing a role in the development of public facilities, with some companies funding construction of 100 sports grounds across the country as part of an initiative announced in June.
However, Southern Municipal Council chairman Bader Al Tamimi argued the government should be able to manage.
He said more emphasis should be placed on spending public money wisely, in partnership with local community groups.
“People don’t care about trees, plants or maintenance of inferior rides,” he said.
“They want facilities that match their aspirations.
“New concepts are now cheaper and charity organisations could help if they see something interesting.”
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