Gulf Refining Union to be set up in Bahrain

Manama : In a move that would set the stage for myriad projects in the region, the Cabinet yesterday endorsed a proposal to establish a Gulf Refining Union in Bahrain. According to the proposal, presented by Foreign Affairs Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, it will facilitate communication and knowledge-sharing between industrial and education institutions, as well as investment agencies. 

It will also increase projects in the region, develop the competence of the technical staff and enhance relations with the relevant regional and international unions and associations.  

During the Cabinet meeting yesterday at Gudaibiya Palace, chaired by Prime Minister HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the memorandum was referred to relevant authority for further consideration.

Meanwhile, HRH Premier directed to take all necessary measures to address the issue of household garbage and waste piles in the Northern and Southern governorates. Prince Khalifa also ordered to investigate the matter and take necessary legal actions against the responsible people.

His comments came while discussing the report presented by the Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Minister, Essam Khalaf, highlighting the challenges faced by the Ministry after the new company took over.

Khalaf also listed the actions taken immediately in cooperation with municipal councils, including monitoring of the new company.

Housing sector

HRH Premier tasked the Housing Minister, Basim Alhamer, to meet the needs of the citizens of Karzakan and Damistan villagers through the new housing projects to preserve the social fabric of villages and towns as much as possible. The Premier also directed the Minister to visit the two villages to meet the local citizens and discuss with them their housing needs.

The session also discussed a number of alternatives to meet and reduce the housing demands on the waiting lists. The aim is to ensure that the housing budget is spent effectively to achieve the government’s strategy in reducing the waiting lists and increasing the number of people, who actually deserve housing services.

The matter, which was highlighted in the memorandum by the Ministerial Committee for Urbanisation and Infrastructure, will be discussed in another
session. 

Meanwhile, the Cabinet discussed seven proposals submitted by the Council of Representatives, and approved the government’s replies to them, as recommended by the Ministerial Committee for Legal Affairs.