Ministry pushes for six new waterfronts, faster building permits and food supply boost in budget plan

TDT | Manama

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Bahrain’s seafront is set to grow, with six new waterfronts planned as part of a push to expand public spaces, improve food supply, and speed up building permits.

The budget also includes 46 projects for new and upgraded parks, gardens, and walkways, along with new markets in all four governorates.

Municipalities and Agriculture Affairs Minister, His Excellency Wael Al Mubarak, said the ministry would work on making it easier to get building permits, which he said would help businesses and draw in investment.

Permits

The “Benayat ” system, which deals with these permits, will be improved, and a new automated system, will be introduced to speed up approvals.

Waste management is also in focus, with the ministry pressing on with Bahrain’s first engineered landfill for household waste.

“This project is a step towards better waste handling for the future,” Al Mubarak said.

The government’s 10-year tree planting and beautification plan, set by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, will also continue.

Digital changes

Work on the second phase of digital changes is set to continue, with several services being turned into online processes.

These will be redesigned to make them simpler and easier to use.

On food security, Al Mubarak said the government was backing a plan to boost local supply.

Farming

The ministry, working with other departments, will provide 140,000 square metres for farming and a further 300,000 square metres for livestock.

Infrastructure for both will also be improved.

Hydroponic farming is now up and running, adding 520 tonnes of home-grown produce to the market each year.

Local egg production

Al Mubarak said the private sector had played a part in raising local egg production to 40 per cent of demand, with the aim of reaching 70 per cent.

“For broiler chickens, we have reached 30 per cent self-sufficiency,” Al Mubarak said. “We are looking to push that to 45 per cent in the next phase.”