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Bahrain - A massive new land reclamation project has been announced on Bahrain’s northern coastline.
The new Al Nakheel District will be located between two other reclaimed sites in the same area, Salman Town and Nurana Island.
It will extend 400 metres into the sea and run 4km along the existing shoreline.
Details were revealed yesterday by the Northern Municipal Council, during an extraordinary meeting with representatives of nearby coastal communities.
The project was published in the Official Gazette last month, under an entry dated May 16 that stated it had already been approved by the council.
However, current council members have denied giving it the green light, while a representative of the previous council – which served between 2014 and 2018 – also said they had no knowledge of it.
However, blueprints for the new land reclamation project, which were made public yesterday, reveal it would cover an area of 123.6 hectares.
Area councillor Dr Sayed Shubbar Al Wedaie voiced his objections, but said he believed it would go ahead regardless.
“There is no turning back the decision, despite it clearly being destructive for the environment and marine life,” he said.
The land reclamation would mean current coastal settlements like Karranah, Janusan, Meqsha and Barbar would no longer be situated next to the sea.
“Erasing that original historic coastline, which used to have an ancient commercial port and a jetty for pearl diving, means we are waving goodbye to the village’s coastal identity,” added Dr Al Wedaie.
“We are speaking about destruction of natural coral reefs.”
However, he said the best option was to negotiate with the government to mitigate damage and achieve concessions for local residents.
“We need an explanation from the Supreme Council for Environment on the devastation it will cause to this rich area,” he said.
“No-one is happy, but now we are left with a situation where we need to negotiate with the government on behalf of the people.
“Urban development seems to be the first choice, not public welfare.”
He predicted fishermen would be among those most affected, since they were at risk of losing sea access.
“Sea access into the deep water is difficult and requires a proper channel,” said Dr Al Wedaie.
“A new highway to the Salman Town will be built, as well as another one that will link it to Muharraq.
“Sea access will be via narrow, man-made channels.
“Residents of nearby villages have every right to have their social fabric protected.
“The new district should be a natural extension of their area including social housing units – not only relying on skyscrapers and special projects.”
The project was published in the Official Gazette by the Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Ministry.
A representative of the Urban Planning and Development Authority was scheduled to attend yesterday’s meeting, but called at the last minute to say he was unable to make it.
The council has now drawn up 12 recommendations for the project, which will be referred to the Higher Urban Planning Committee – which is chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier.
They include ensuring the new Al Nakheel District is a continuation of nearby villages, guaranteeing sea access for fishermen, prioritising construction of social housing units and incorporating public facilities such as a public park and walkway.
Meanwhile, council chairman Ahmed Al Kooheji urged community representatives at yesterday’s meeting to embrace change.
Development
“Development is going to happen and life progresses,” he said.
“We have to be partners in creating a balance, which meets our needs and those of urbanisation and development.
“Embracing change is the way forward. I understand residents’ demands and they should be put on the negotiating table with officials.
“We assure everyone that residents will not lose out.
“The Al Nakheel Highway will also be expanded, as it will absorb traffic from Budaiya Highway and serve the new district.”
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