Opponents of a proposed new airport in Bahrain have called for the project to be scrapped or relocated amid concerns it could destroy more than half of the country’s fisheries, it was reported.
According to the Gulf Daily News, MPs plan to highlight the issue this week, while fishermen will hold an urgent meeting to discuss potential action against the government plans.
MP Hassan Al Dossary, who is chairs the public utilities and environment affairs committee, said reclamation works at the site, near Fasht Al Jarim, off the coast of Duraz, would result in the destruction of at least 50 percent of Bahrain’s premier fishing area.
That area has already been affected by reclamation work for the Northern Town and I can’t believe that there is any study in the world that says reclamation is damage free, he was quoted as saying. The government has to re-evaluate its plans.
We will take a stand during our next session and it is ridiculous that Bahrain wants to destroy its own fishing resources with its own hands.
Earlier this month, parliament rejected plans for the second airport and instead called for the government to spend money on developing Bahrain International Airport.
Al Dossary, whose constituency covers the fasht, said the government should stop spending money on unnecessary projects.
“The existing airport is fine and just needs developing, and spending money for show on the expense of fishing resources is something we don’t accept, he told the Gulf Daily News.
Fasht Al Jarim has been selected because it has shallow waters and would cost less to reclaim, but in reality the costs are higher since fish supplies will drop significantly.
Bahrain Fishermen Society president Jassim Al Jeran said urbanisation was necessary, but not at the expense of marine resources.
The next phase of the project reportedly involves detailed studies, including links with roads, water networks, electricity grids and the GCC railway network.
The GDN earlier reported that a $900m expansion to Bahrain International Airport will be carried out at the end of the year, which would be designed to meet the state’s requirements until work on the new project is completed.
2014 Arabian Business Publishing Ltd.