NEW recreational facilities for families are on the way in the Southern Governorate, according to a top minister.
Plans include turning the historic Hunninyah Valley Park, located between East Riffa and West Riffa, into a massive tourist attraction, said Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Minister Essam Khalaf.
The East Riffa Public Park and the Mohammed Bin Fares Public Park will also be developed, he said as he briefed National Assembly and Parliament Speaker Fouzia Zainal on the progress of work on several projects.
“Work is ongoing at the Hunninyah Valley Park as we build attractive facilities including rest spaces and installing greenery around the ancient natural spring with the project expected to be completed by the end of the year,” said Mr Khalaf during the meeting at the National Assembly Complex in Gudaibiya.
In 2020, the Southern Municipal Council lifted the valley’s protected status to make way for a massive agricultural project that will bolster Bahrain’s food security.
However, it was agreed then that Ayn Al Hunninyah, a natural spring dating back to 1604AD, would be turned into a natural park and sanctuary.
Mr Khalaf revealed that there are several other municipal projects in the pipeline focused on green themes and stemming from historic locations across the Southern Governorate and the country.
“The new East Riffa Public Park in Block 927 has been constructed on a 10 square metre area and will include a special-floor walkway and football pitch, sports court, multi-purpose hall, and rubber footpaths, and numerous entertainment facilities.
“This park is the first within our new green concept strategy, which is vital for all projects, with our public parks today focusing on that approach.
“Breathing fresh air while enjoying the beautiful scenery is something that all attractions in the country, whether for locals or visitors, should be built on,” said the minister.
He said that work has been also completed at the Mohammed Bin Fares Public Park with it opening soon.
Meanwhile, Mr Khalaf said dirt routes in the Southern Governorate have been also paved in line with the vast urbanisation witnessed over the past few years.
“We will also address the rain cluster areas and we will work on new projects to ease drainage especially in Block 901, which has 60 properties,” he said.
“There are new roads stretching up to 1.6km that we will work on as we step up our work in the area.”
Ms Zainal praised the minister’s keenness on pushing ahead with developmental projects and services in the Southern Governorate, from she was elected from, and the country in general.
“The work done is line with public demands and green initiatives at the same time, which reflects a much-needed balance,” she said.
“We are waiting for more projects in future as the country sees more urbanisation and development.”
mohammed@gdn.com.bh
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