Water park nearing completion

TDT | Manama

Works Minister Essam Khalaf yesterday directed to expedite the development of the water park in the capital city, which is now in its second phase development. The ministry, Khalfa said, has completed the majority of the works of the park built on an area of 6.5 hectares. The first phase works reached completion in 2018 in line with the directives of Bahrain’s Vision 2030 strategy.

The ministry is now intensifying efforts to realise reopening of the park in the upcoming months. He added, “The car parks, as well as service buildings in the park, are completed.” The minister said the project gets the special attention of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, the wife of His Majesty the King and the President of the Supreme Council for Women.

The minister was reviewing the progress of the project during a site-tour along with concerned officials. Khalaf stressed the lakes, general shape of the park, pathways, water bodies, and perennial trees are all preserved without any changes. “Cleaning of the lakes, having an area of 12,349 meters, are completed,” the Minister said.

“What left now is the installation of natural rocks around the water body.” “Works of the bridge and the island in the middle of the lakes that constitute a natural reserve for birds are also set to start.” On preserving marine life, Khalaf said, “We have sought from the beginning of the project to preserve the marine ecosystem of these lakes.”

Ducks, turtles The ducks and turtles in the lakes were transferred to the AlAreen Reserve in coordination with the Supreme Council for the Environment. Then will be returned upon completion of the works here.” On other ongoing works, the minister said: “the garden now has 23 umbrellas (seating places) installed.”

Works of service buildings are also completed, except for finishing touches of the administrative building, two public facilities, a prayer room and a cafeteria. The ministry, he said, is taking care to plant more shade trees and trees that are environmentally friendly and suitable for the climate here. 1,200 trees There are around 1,200 “shade trees and Bahraini fruit trees” in the garden now.

The ministry, Khalaf said, is also installing identification panels on trees to add it educational and cognitive value for visitors. “Installation of lighting poles in the park has begun,” the minister said indicating that it will be an energy-saving system (LED).”

“Development of green areas are almost complete,” the minister said adding, “directives are given to plant more shade trees, flowering trees like Indian jasmine, and fruit trees such as almonds, lemon, pomegranate, mangoes, canaries, orange and fig, in the park.”

“There are several walkways in the park,” the minister said adding that one of them will be fitted with a cooling system, as well as rubber floors in the children play areas. “The water park is one of the most important service projects that the ministry is working in partnership with the Capital Municipality. This project comes within the ministry’s strategy to increase the green area in the Kingdom and provide entertainment projects for citizens and residents,” the minister stressed.