Councillor criticises move to change names of villages

Manama: Municipal Councillor Abdul Majeed Al Saba has criticised the government move to change the names of two historic villages in Manama without seeking the opinion of the residents.

He alleged that there was a hidden agenda in the plan to change the names of Al Mahooz and Suqaya villages, but such move would not be tolerated.

"Al Mahooz was named after its Shiite religious schools, while Suqaya was named after a famous well in the area." Al Saba urged the government to involve people in its plans, especially when it comes to matters related to their traditions and heritage. "Road signs that mentioned the names of the villages were removed and in the ID cards of the residents Al Mahooz and Suqaya villages were replaced with Manama."

Al Saba said he contacted the Ministry of Works and Housing to inquire about the reasons behind the removal of the signs and he received a reply stating that the matter should be referred to the General Informatics Organisation (GIO).

"I am raising the issue to avoid disturbances in the area as the residents of the two villages are threatening to protest," he said. The councillor said the government is defending the move in the name of development, but achieving modernity should not be at the cost of tradition and history.

Suad Hamada is a journalist based in Manama