Bahrain: Only 5% of Street-Lighting Requests Approved, Says Muharraq Council
Ashwini Gambo
Fewer than five percent of the Muharraq Municipal Council’s street-lighting requests are being approved, according to council members, who are expressing growing frustration with delays and what they describe as weak coordination with the Electricity and Water Authority (EWA). The issue was highlighted during a discussion on the pending installation of lights along Road 3327 in Al Dair, Block 233 one of many long-standing requests that have not been actioned.
Council chairman Abdulaziz Al Naar called for a direct meeting with the Authority to establish a consistent and transparent process for submitting and tracking applications. He noted that just as the council aligns with one set of procedures, new forms or criteria are introduced, resulting in further delays and halted applications.
Sixth Constituency member Fadhil Al Oud added that EWA’s transformation into a company has shifted its focus toward profit and loss, deprioritizing certain public services. Despite meeting all requirements, he revealed that none of his lighting requests since 2022 have received approval. This echoes broader concerns that necessary community services are being sidelined.
Second Constituency representative Dalal Al Moqahwi pointed out that several of her lighting requests, some of which already have ministerial backing, remain unaddressed by the Authority. She emphasized that her area’s older infrastructure layout does not require major upgrades, making installation straightforward yet progress remains stalled due to ever-changing application procedures.
Seventh Constituency representative Ahmed Al Moqahwi criticized what he sees as an imbalance in service delivery. “The Authority moves quickly when it comes to cutting power,” he said, “but when it’s time to respond to citizen needs through municipal councils, there’s no urgency.” He urged for improved coordination and streamlined workflows to ensure public expectations are met and essential services are delivered efficiently.
The council’s collective concerns underscore a growing disconnect between municipal bodies and the national utilities provider at a time when residents continue to press for basic infrastructure improvements such as reliable street lighting.
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