HIDD residents are planning a major demonstration tomorrow to protest plans for two new cement operations opening near their homes.

They will also protest the existence of 20-year-old factory area, calling on the government to relocate it.

The factory is already facing a number court cases for not abiding to health and environment rules and regulations, according to municipal councillors.

Muharraq Municipal Council said last week that it was bypassed by Municipalities and Agriculture Minister Mansoor bin Rajab, who it says authorised the two new factories in Hidd without its consent.

Work on one of the factories in Hidd Industrial Area has been halted for the past nine months, after councillors refused to give it a permit, saying it was too close to homes.

One of the now licensed factories will be a grinding station, while the other will handle packaging.