The residents and commuters of the Umalhasam area in Bahrain are facing a significant issue due to the recent increase in the number of food outlets. This surge in popularity has led to severe traffic congestion, inconveniencing daily life and posing safety risks. The high volume of vehicles, especially during peak hours, coupled with inadequate parking spaces, has resulted in a chaotic situation. Residents often double-park, obstructing the already narrow roads, while delivery vehicles and customers waiting for orders create bottlenecks and gridlock.
The lack of designated parking spaces for the food outlets exacerbates the problem, forcing drivers to double-park and further impeding the flow of traffic. The situation is particularly dire during evenings and weekends when customer influx peaks. Pedestrians, including families and children, are also at risk as they navigate through the crowded and chaotic streets. Moreover, a few well-known hangouts have been encroaching on public pathways, setting up tables and chairs for their customers, further adding to the congestion and safety hazards.
In light of these issues, the letter urges food outlets to collaborate with authorities to find solutions that can alleviate congestion while allowing businesses to thrive. It emphasizes the importance of balancing economic activity with the need for smooth and safe traffic flow in the area. The residents and commuters are calling for immediate action to address the ongoing traffic congestion and safety risks in Umalhasam.