Construction, demolition, digging or drilling could be prohibited during specified hours or days in residential neighbourhoods, if Shura Council members have their way.
Five members, led by Leena Qassim, had proposed the inclusion of a new article to the 1977 Buildings Law last year, to restrict work during certain hours and days following public complaints.
Shura Council Chairman Ali Saleh Al Saleh had forwarded it to the public utilities and environment affairs committee for review in March.
The panel has now recommended that it be given the go-ahead following which Shura members will finally vote on the proposal on Sunday. It has, however, now been amended to include ‘exceptions’ that would be determined by the responsible minister.
Angry residents have in the past demanded an end to noisy early morning and late night construction work in several areas, which they claimed was robbing them of sleep and peace of mind.
“Bahrain is witnessing a surge in urban development that has seen the emergence of new social housing towns and projects and generally an increase in the number of housing units, apartment buildings and residential villas,” said Ms Qassim.
Ms Qassim
“The construction sector continues to grow with numerous real estate and social homes financing programmes launched by the Housing and Urban Planning Ministry,” she added.
“However, contractors of road, sewage and electricity and water infrastructure projects cannot show up on site whenever they like and carry on work.
“People have every reason to be angry as there are cases of late night and early morning work that are driving them insane.
“Why can’t construction work be done in a sensible way? Residents must be alerted about the timings or noise buffers must be used.”
Meanwhile, Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister Wael Al Mubarak said the restrictions sought in the law were already being implemented through the 2012 Private Sector Employment Law.
The minister also pointed out that the chosen law was wrong, considering that it deals with construction regulations related to permits, and technical and structural assessment and has no reference whatsoever to timings.
“The Supreme Council for the Environment can easily tackle the issue of noise through its jurisdictions and authorities,” said Mr Al Mubarak.
“Environmental rules deal with pollution, including noise levels and work timings. However, we believe the amended version gives us flexibility to decide on necessary action should there be a need to work on holidays or hours whenever the legislation is passed.”
Capital Trustees Board chairman Saleh Tarradah stressed the need to better communicate with citizens and residents regarding the timings of construction work.
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