Bahrain committed to resolving air pollution and improving traffic flow

TDT | Manama                      

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com  

Reported by Julia Cassano

The new infrastructure plans will work to improve air quality and reduce traffic in the Kingdom. According to a study conducted by Pub Med Central, Bahrain has a high annual concentration of PM 2.5, and now citizens are starting to become aware to the health risks associated with air quality.

Pub Med Central reports that two-thirds of Bahrainis are now taking protective measures such as covering their faces (66.6 per cent) and reducing outdoor activities (69.6%). The study adds that 36.1% of Bahrainis are now using air purifiers at home.

This is not an issue only known to Bahrain, in fact, half of the world’s population are exposed to increasing air pollution reported by the World Health Organisation (WHO). The National Center for Atmospheric Research reports that air pollution is a major global environmental risk, and is estimated to cause around 3.7 million premature deaths worldwide.

The study stated that most of the world’s population continues to be exposed to levels of air pollution substantially above WHO air quality guidelines, and this constitutes to an increasing threat to public health.

According to UN Environment, reducing emissions from transport is a critical factor in decreasing air pollution in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Transport in Bahrain relies heavily on roads, with private cars being the most dominant mode of transportation.

Additionally, using private vehicles is encouraged by low fuel costs, 0.200 BHD per litre. If people are using private cars more often, this results in an increase in harmful pollutants distributed to the air. The Kingdom is aiming to modernise its public transport in the economy and plans to develop Bahrain Metro Project through a public private partnership, according to reports.

The Bahrain Metro project compromises a 109km network with four transit lines to be developed in phases. The Kingdom is focusing on developing sustainable and attractive transportation services that will aim to reduce the amount of traffic and improve air quality in the Kingdom.

The Ministry of Transport and Communications has announced the additions and operations of new lines, and this will include coverage for residents in Manama, Sitra, Muharraq, Isa Town, Salman City, Budaiya and Saar.

Speaking to The Daily Tribune, a person who wishes not to be identified said, “traffic has gotten very difficult here and if they improve the public transport in Bahrain, I will hopefully not have to use my car as often.”

Hussain Ali Yaqoub, the Land Transport Planning and Studies Department director, said: “The ministry works to improve and provide better public transport services to facilitate users’ movement of users through coordination.”

According to a study by the University of California, Los Angeles, using public transport reduces CO2 emissions by 45%, improving air quality. The Kingdom’s plans to improve its public transport infrastructure will allow for more people to use public transport instead of using cars. This will help improve the air quality, as well as improve traffic in Bahrain.