Bahrain's jetties could be turned into impressive visitor attractions under new modernisation plans to hook tourists.

Muharraq Municipal Council members yesterday unanimously approved a proposal by Hidd councillor Mohammed Al Meghawi to develop seaside areas not only for use by the fishermen and fish sellers but as potentially lucrative investment projects.

Mr Al Meghawi envisions a new tourism frontier with ferries, restaurants, aqua-themed parks and other facilities and suggests setting up a pilot project at Hidd Jetty, which is set to see its current fish market demolished to pave way for a new highway.

“The jetties could feature traditional cafés as well as upmarket restaurants offering drinks and seafood dishes. Customers could be allowed to select live fish from a tank to be grilled, fried or put in the oven,” he said.

“The jetties could become destination centres of activities and attractions offering fishing expeditions, scuba diving and snorkeling courses, besides featuring new entertainment activities like hot air balloons and kite flying.

“There are a number of sea-themed projects that investors could consider. At the moment any idea that would turn the jetties from their current appalling state into something better should be worth considering.”

He said that Hidd Jetty was ideally placed as a pilot project location considering that the current fish market would soon be demolished.

“We have come up with an artist’s impression for a new comprehensive air-conditioned marketplace which would be on the other side of the jetty, away from the new highway,” said Mr Al Meghawi. “The new marketplace could also have sections for local farmers selling fresh fruits and vegetables.”

Bahrain’s other major jetties are located at Sitra, Budaiya, Galali, Samaheej and Muharraq.

Council chairman Abdulaziz Al Naar said he would encourage ambitious proposals to develop futuristic nationwide facilities.

“We don’t want jetties to be just used as warehouse spaces or docking areas for fishermen,” said Mr Al Naar. “Services have to be provided to ensure that fishermen’s needs are fulfilled but investment projects must be outlined for the available open spaces,” he added.

“Investment is the way forward as jetties across the world are proving to be attractive tourist destinations and we need to do things in our own unique way.

“If we hand over jetties to investors, we can be ensured that regular maintenance will be carried out, security guards employed and that the jetties would spin revenues for state or municipal coffers.”

Council vice-chairman Saleh Buhazaa agreed that sea-inspired attractions would work wonders.

“Most of our jetties are neglected and serve fishermen with their basic needs, while in reality there could be so much more put in place,” he said.

“The Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco, for example, is one of the busiest tourist destinations in America by offering simple attractions catering to everyone’s tastes, from children to adults.

“Let Bahrain attract more tourists to its coasts. They don’t want to sit in malls, they want to come here for something that’s unique and that’s sea-themed outlets and activities, in my opinion, They want live fish cooking stations or the chance to have fresh fish they have managed to catch themselves presented to them for lunch.”

Meanwhile, as the heated debate continued some members and officials complained that the meeting hall was too hot. Councillors claimed that the Muharraq Municipality, where meetings are usually held, had not seen adequate maintenance for the past five years.

 

Copyright 2022 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).