Study planned on 'disappearing' Bahraini island
Manama, June 22, 2014
Studies will be carried out to find ways to stabilise an undeveloped island off the coast of Muharraq that disappears during high tides.
European experts will be called in to assess Halab Island as part of plans to turn it into a tourist destination, said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.
MPs want to connect the island to the Prince Khalifa bin Salman Park in Hidd by reclaiming land and building a road, but the Muharraq Municipal Council rejected the proposal, which, it said, would destroy the island's natural appeal.
The council instead wants a new ferry service that could transport passengers to the island, where a wooden jetty and family tourist facilities will be built from wood on the outskirts of the island.
These include restaurants, chalets and shops offering maritime equipment.
Both proposals have been assessed by Municipalities and Urban Planning Affairs Minister Dr Juma Al Ka'abi, who told the GDN that he prefers the council's suggestion, but believes it will be impossible under current circumstances.
"It would be illogical to build something which will sink during high tides," he said.
"The project that will be built from just wood is excellent in concept, but it is difficult to implement and for that we need feedback from European experts in the stabilisation field, mainly the Dutch.
"If we are to stabilise the island, then reclamation has to be carried out in one way or another - that has to be explained to us because we don't want the place to be destroyed and the presence of the island jeopardised.
"We also have to take into consideration the hydrodynamics of the flow of water currents under the nearby Prince Khalifa bin Salman Bridge, which we don't want to disrupt or damage."
He said it was important to the government to preserve the island.
"We are keen on protecting the island and will do our best to ensure it stays for generations to come," he added. - TradeArabia News Service
