Cooling deal turns costly: Firm fined BD37,000 for 2-yr delay

TDT | Manama

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A Bahraini holding company has been ordered to pay BD37,000 after failing to complete air-conditioning works across four villas for more than two years and seven months.

The High Civil Court ruled that the company’s prolonged delays left the plaintiff facing rising costs and unable to complete the project as planned.

Lawyer Kaltham Al Koohaji, representing the plaintiff, argued that the company had signed a contract worth BD88,900 to supply and install air-conditioning systems, covering all materials, labour, and equipment. The plaintiff had already paid BD65,808, but the work delivered fell far short of expectations, with minimal progress made over nearly three years.

Frustrated by the lack of completion, the plaintiff commissioned an engineering expert, whose report confirmed that the company had failed to fulfil its obligations. The lawyer also pointed out that the company’s owners had managed the project so poorly that they should be held personally accountable.

The court agreed, stating that the contract clearly outlined a phased work schedule, which had not been followed. The expert's findings, based on a site inspection and meetings with both parties, further supported the plaintiff ’s claims.

The court found the company solely responsible for the failure and ruled that it must pay BD36,504, plus BD1,000 in compensation, along with 2% annual interest. The company was also ordered to cover court costs, expert fees, and legal expenses.