BOAT BAN AT AMWAJ

Amwaj Islands is a development built on a vision of 'returning waterside living' to the people of Bahrain.

So says the development's own publicity material ... but it seems this doesn't ring true for boat owners who want to make use of the man-made islands' sheltered waterways.

The area's residents have received a letter from Amwaj Islands Security telling them that motorised vessels of all types, including jet-skis, will no longer be permitted in the area inside the breakwater which separates the islands from the open sea.

Bollards, stating 'STOP NO BOATS', have been placed at the entrance to the breakwater area. On Friday, when many boat owners take advantage of cruising, jet-skiing and water skiing, there were two work boats moored to keep them out.

While residents appreciate the need for some regulation many believe this is a case of 'using a hammer to crack a walnut'.

The waters around Amwaj consist of two sections, the area inside the breakwater which is sheltered from the open sea, and the internal canals which lead to the residential areas.

One boat owning resident, who asked not to be named, said: "I can see there is a need for something to be done; I was only saying a couple of weeks ago that with the number of people out on the water there is bound to be an accident before long. But this just smacks of a knee jerk reaction that has not been properly thought through.

"I can't see there being a problem if they said boats and jet-skis could be used in the area inside the breakwater but the internal waters should be used in the same way as a marina, that means you go dead slow at all times. But this blanket ban just makes for bad feeling and, to be honest, will likely be ignored."

A neighbouring resident added: "The bollards have been put up with signs saying no boats, but boats can be brought in through them and, to be honest, that's what will happen.

"An awful lot of people bought properties or land out here specifically to be near the water for boating, lots of the waterfront houses have boat ramps to get down to the water and now we're being told we cannot use our boats at all which is just ridiculous and certainly not the impression we were given when we came out here.

"I am also doubtful that the islands' security organisation has the legal power to enforce this ban. I would have thought that would be a job for the coastguard and, frankly, I imagine they have better things to do."

A source at the Coast Guard office said he believed the Amwaj authorities would be able to bar entry to outsiders but not to those who actually own properties on the development.

Conceived in 2001, and now virtually completed, the Amwaj Islands are a series of manmade islands combining residential, commercial and retail space in a 4sq/km community situated off the coast of Bahrain near Muharraq and around 15 minutes from the capital, Manama.

Nouf Saleh Al Pachachi, marketing manager at Amwaj Islands, said: "We do try to understand and take into account the needs of all our residents and we sympathise with those who have been adversely affected by the letter showing areas of the islands' inland waterways where the use of motorised craft will not be permitted. However, safety is not a matter we take lightly and therefore we are taking steps to implement the necessary safety precautions for Amwaj Islands residents in order to minimise and prevent any accidents from occurring.

"The areas marked on the letter are areas that are used regularly by residents for swimming and the action we have taken is mainly a precaution to try to prevent an accident. In addition, we have to take account of the needs of the many residents who have moved to Amwaj for the tranquil surroundings and whose enjoyment of the surroundings is spoiled by jet-skis and motorboats that are more suited for use in open water.

"This measure has been implemented whilst population density is relatively low. As the population increases the likelihood of a serious accident would increase to the point of inevitability if the use of these craft on enclosed waters were left unchecked. We believe that not to take measures to try to prevent that situation arising would be irresponsible.

"We take this opportunity to make two important pleas; firstly that all residents consider paramount the needs of safety and of the peace and tranquility of the islands and, therefore, use jet-skis and motorboats only on the open sea and, secondly, that all parents of children under driving licence age prevent them from using jet-skis unaccompanied and, likewise, prevent the use of quad bikes (only those properly registered as a road vehicle and insured will be permitted) on the islands by underage/unlicensed young persons.

"Finally, we are always ready to listen to our residents' feedback to help us improve all aspects of living 'island life'."

All comments and feedback can be sent to info@Amwaj-Islands.com, or residents can visit the offices at the entrance to Amwaj Islands from Sunday-Thursday from 8.00am-5.00pm.