Bahrain authorities clear illegal horse stables east of Shakhoora

Bahrain’s Northern Municipality is clearing illegal horse stables and makeshift structures built on public land east of Shakhoora, with roughly 60 percent already removed, an inspector said.

Clearance operation progresses

In a video statement, inspector Asma Nusf said the campaign has made significant progress in tackling unauthorised structures occupying public property.

Animal welfare concerns raised

The operation has prompted worries about the future of the horses and other animals kept at the sites, while local residents complain of foul smells, insects and rodents entering their homes.

Parliament’s public utilities and environment affairs committee chairman Hisham Al Awadhi stressed that illegally constructed structures must be removed from residential neighbourhoods and said he understands residents’ complaints about odours and pests.

“People say there are foul smells, insects and rodents crawling into homes, and they have a point,” he said.

He also said, “The municipality needs to act in accordance with the law. But the animals’ whereabouts and how they will be safeguarded are matters that we need to know about, given that some horses are extremely expensive.”

Officials stress need for alternative sites

Strategic Thinking Bloc spokesman MP Khalid Bu Onk noted that the removal of 60pc of the structures shows substantial progress, but the remaining work will require authorities to balance enforcement with practical arrangements for the animals.

“The case puts the spotlight on the wider issue of unauthorised structures in residential areas, where public land can become occupied without regard for neighbouring homes or the intended use of the property,” he said.

“The outstanding question is whether suitable alternative locations can be arranged for the horses and other animals as the clearance campaign continues – not just in the Northern Governorate but across Bahrain.”

Road project drives removal

Area councillor Tariq Al Farsani explained that the stables need to be cleared to make way for a new road linking Shaikh Khalifa Bin Salman Highway with the area near St Christopher’s School in Saar, close to Road 13.

He said the animals had been removed before demolition work began, although he does not know where they were taken.

“I don’t know about the fate of the animals,” he said.

“The occupiers were warned several times before action was taken.”

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