MORE than 10 per cent of land will be earmarked for nature reserves as part of a National Strategic Master Plan, it has emerged.
The move is aimed at preserving locations with natural resources while also protecting the biodiversity of the country, Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Minister Essam Khalaf said.
He was responding in writing to a question by Shura Council member Fouad Al Haji on the progress of projects listed in the master plan approved in 2016.
“Three artificial islands have been developed – Logistics Island in Hidd, East Sitra Industrial Island and East Sitra Residential Island,” he said.
“A consultancy firm will be contracted to conduct feasibility studies on construction of new islands. It will also review the master plan and provide updates in line with future needs.
“Designs for the new islands will be assessed before issuing land reclamation permits. We will ensure all technical, engineering and environmental protocols are followed during and after the construction phase.
“We will also develop inner roads and sanitary networks on these islands in addition to connecting them to the mainland in Bahrain.”
Meanwhile, Mr Khalaf added that land reclamation limits, set in the Master Plan, were adhered to while implementing the projects.
“We have given top priority to preserving the environment as several plots were designated, and set aside, as protected areas,” he said.
“With regard to new public beaches and coasts, the ministry is reviewing urban plans for roads, parking spaces, pedestrian walkways and bicycle paths in addition to entrance and exit points and connecting the locations to the public roads network.
“Nine per cent of new public beaches and coasts will be in the Southern Governorate, followed by 18.2pc in the Northern Governorate, and 36.4pc each in the Capital and Muharraq Governorates.
“Meanwhile, currently the Capital, Muharraq and Northern Governorates each make up 27.3pc of public beaches and coasts while 18.1pc is in the Southern Governorate in terms of completed projects.”
Mr Khalaf said new roads and transportation networks have been planned with an eye on technological developments in the future.
Nine key roads projects have already been completed, including the expansion of Shaikh Zayed Highway. Seven other roads projects are in the pipeline, budget for which will be provided from the GCC fund.
“One of the goals is to create ring roads. It aims to streamline traffic movement, reduce congestion and waiting time during peak hours,” added Mr Khalaf.
“Land has been allotted for 27 projects approved in the master plan. We have 69 unused plots and studies are underway to determine their suitability for various projects in collaboration with the concerned authorities.”
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