A PROGRAMME to closely monitor dredging and sand extraction has been launched to exercise greater control over companies involved in drilling the seabed, according to a minister.
It will define the precise locations where the operations can be allowed, the exact amounts of sand mining that can be carried out and the kinds of sand that can be extracted.
However, Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Minister Essam Khalaf told MPs during parliament’s weekly session yesterday that the programme was still in its initial stages.
He told MPs in writing earlier that nine local companies were licensed to extract sand for construction and development work, while three foreign companies were licensed for reclamation work for government and private projects.
MP MP Khaled Bu Onk discusses the need for more monitoring on sand dredging operations during Parliament’s weekly session
Fooling
Meanwhile, MP Khaled Bu Onk ridiculed the minister for giving priority to dredging over food security.
“The minister should stop fooling himself that there is a plan for food security because it’s clear that the future generations will have to eat only canned tuna food,” he said.
“Dredging north of Muharraq is being carried out near housing towns, threatening the very foundation of reclaimed land; dredging and sand extraction seems to be the priority and not food security as several fish species have disappeared from the sea.”
The outburst surprised Mr Khalaf, while parliament chairwoman Fouzia Zainal directed that the words “fooling himself” be struck from the records.
Eight MPs led by Mr Bu Onk submitted a proposal to probe fishing methods and their effect on the marine environment. The request will be scheduled for debate during next Tuesday’s session.
Meanwhile, Mr Khalaf revealed that agricultural plots in Howrat A’ali were being reviewed to include more farmers.
He added that 40 farmers would now be able to sell their produce at the Manama Central Market, in addition to the Farmers Market in Howrat A’ali and the Bahraini Farmers Market at the Budaiya Botanical Garden.
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