ATMs in Manama parks ‘may put lives at risk’

Manama / Tribune News Service

Concerns have been raised that people would be attacked if ATM machines are installed in public parks across Bahrain. The proposal, presented by Southern Municipal Council chairman Ahmed Al Ansari to the Central Bank of Bahrain, aims to provide services across the board and generate municipal income from the leased space.
Works, Municipalities and Urban Planning Affairs Ministry has given the proposal the go-ahead, agreeing to have it implemented nationwide rather than just in the Southern Governorate.
However, Al Ansari has now requested the project be shelved until a trial phase is conducted at Al Estiqlal Walkway in Buhair to determine whether the machines would pose a risk with the existence of threats such as thefts and terrorism. “The proposal wouldn’t have been approved if it was not found beneficial by the government, but there are concerns from the public that public facilities and people would be placed in harm’s way,” Al Ansari told the GDN.
“Even in the most secure of places where there is heavy presence of security guards, ATMs and payment machines have either been torched or robbed. “This shows how dangerous someone or a group may be when setting their minds on terrorism or theft – recently an ATM machine was chained and dragged out of a marketplace.
“Someone posing as a jogger late at night after closing hours and even in the presence of security could threaten a user at gunpoint or another weapon to withdraw or handover withdrawn cash. “Residents have approached me and informed this proposal was inviting unnecessary danger and they prefer the absence of services, despite them being good, in exchange for their safety and well-being.”
Al Ansari said he hoped the trial phase, which would begin in the coming days, would prove people would not be targeted for using the machines in public spaces. “The proposal should have been implemented next month nationwide, but I asked for it to be stopped to assess the situation – let’s test it thoroughly,” he added.
“An ATM machine and payment machine will now be installed at Al Estiqlal Highway. “Let’s see what happens. I don’t want this to be introduced on the expense of the public despite it being intended to make people’s lives easier and generate more income into municipal coffers.”
He added the money could be used to fund new public projects and carry out maintenance and remodelling within existing facilities. Meanwhile, the ministry has approved a proposal by Northern Municipality director-general Yousif Al Ghatam, who is also acting Muharraq Municipality director-general, to install surveillance cameras across parks, gardens and walkways.
However, the move requires funding and is under study for inclusion in the national budget 2017-2018, which will be presented to Parliament in October.