MP calls out inaction on infra projects in southern Bahrain

TDT | Manama  

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Reported by Mahir Haneef

In a passionate address to the Parliament, MP Ali Saqr Al-Dossary of the Ninth Constituency in the Southern Governorate slammed the Ministry of Works' lack of progress on infrastructure projects in his constituency.

Al-Dossary's primary concern was the absence of a concrete implementation schedule for vital projects like sewage network connections and paved roads in block 1056 in Zallaq. He criticized the minister's response as "general" and "prayerful," lacking specifics and failing to address the urgent needs of his constituents.

The MP highlighted the inadequacy of a four-page answer that merely mentioned past achievements and offered no roadmap for the future. He questioned the ministry's priorities, pointing out the glaring omission of plans for ongoing and upcoming projects in key areas. Al-Dossary further criticized the handling of the block 1056 project, alleging discrepancies in contractor selection and budget allocation. He expressed frustration with the delays caused by tender rejections and contractor changes, leaving residents to suffer in the absence of basic infrastructure.

"When the rain falls," Al-Dossary poignantly stated, "the people there are suffering. There is no infrastructure and no tiled streets." He urged the government to prioritize the well-being of citizens and allocate resources efficiently to ensure the timely completion of essential infrastructure projects. Al-Dossary concluded by calling for more detailed and serious responses from the Ministry, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability.

Minister’s Response

The Minister of Works, HE Ebrahim Bin Hasan Al Hawaj, defended the Ministry's efforts, citing 87% sewage network coverage across Bahrain and ongoing plans for further expansion.

He acknowledged the need for improved communication and promised to visit the affected areas with MPs and municipal councils in the coming weeks. Al Hawaj also clarified the situation in block 1056, stating that a new contractor had recently been awarded the project within the allocated budget.

He assured residents that work had already begun and progress would be evident soon. Al Hawaj acknowledged the MP's interest in the region's development and highlighted the government's ongoing efforts to improve sewage and road networks across the Kingdom. The Minister pointed out that Bahrain boasts an impressive sewage network coverage of 87 percent, with plans to expand it further.

He specifically mentioned an 88 percent coverage rate for the Southern Governorate and an 80 percent completion rate for road connections. Al Hawaj assured the MP and Parliament that comprehensive plans are in place to deliver essential infrastructure to all regions of Bahrain. He commended the cooperation of municipal councils in identifying priority areas and promised to visit the Ninth Constituency with MPs and council representatives in the coming weeks.

Transparency and Collaboration

The minister emphasized the government's commitment to transparency and accountability. He pledged to provide detailed project schedules and keep both MPs and the public informed about progress. Al Hawaj also expressed his willingness to work closely with municipal councils and MPs to ensure that infrastructure projects meet the needs of local communities.