Multi-million dinar infrastructure projects featuring a package of comprehensive road, sewage, rainwater drainage and lighting improvements are on the way in the southern part of the country.
Works Ministry roads planning and design director Maha Hamada said the Southern Governorate was witnessing the fastest urbanisation rate in Bahrain with numerous multi-million dinar proposed investments unveiled.
Projects on the drawing board include the road network to the new Sports City in Sakhir, a flyover for the northern Isa Town junction, developing roads to the new Khalifa Town and carrying out revamps to the Educational Area in Isa Town.
A presentation on all new projects planned for 2024 was showcased by Ms Hamada during the Southern Municipal Council meeting yesterday at the Southern Municipality Complex in West Riffa.
“The cost of the first phase of the road network for the new BD179m Sports City is BD27m and we expect designs to be completed by next September,” said Ms Hamada.
“The Sports City will contain an internationally-designed athletics tracks and multi-use halls, as well as a commercial complex and hotels, besides a stadium. We have to address future accessibility and take into account other developments and investments in the area,” she said.
“The area already has Bahrain University, Exhibition World Bahrain and the Bahrain International Circuit amongst other attractions.”
Additional lanes will be added to Zallaq Highway and Gulf of Bahrain Avenue, with intersections linking main roads to Sports City, a cycling track and rainwater drainage spots.
Ms Hamada said the plan for the northern Isa Town junction development includes constructing a new flyover.
“This is a massive artery road point in the country with work set to start in March 2024 and continue for 24 months at a cost of BD18.382m,” added Ms Hamada.
Work may run in parallel with improvement plans at southern Isa Town junction but there are concerns over likely traffic jams, although some argue that getting the job done would be preferable, with no gain without pain.
A staggered work schedule, however, would likely delay completion timelines, the meeting heard.
She also revealed details of multiple infrastructure projects planned for Khalifa Town too.
“There will be road expansions to Hawar Highway at a cost of BD10m and Boulevard Avenue at a cost of BD6.79m, the road connecting the first side of homes in the town at a cost of BD1.285m, the second side at a cost of BD1.644m and the third side at a cost of BD1.4m.”
Construction is set to start in the third quarter of next year.
“It will include roads, pavements, traffic signs, rain drainage, sewage traps, streetlights and allocating space for future underground services,” she added.
Ms Hamada also said that road developments were also expected on the first phase of expanding Mahzoora Avenue at a cost of BD1.126m, starting in the second quarter of 2024, with the next phase starting in the third quarter of the same year at a cost of BD1.273m.
She added that roadworks were set to start on the Hejayat Highway link with Jidda Avenue at a cost of BD1.845m during the fourth quarter, Umm Al Nassan on two phases at a cost of BD6m, divided equally and beginning during the third quarter of the year.
“Developing road 4109 in the Educational Area is also amongst our top priorities with BD1.618m financing having been allocated to us from the municipalities with work beginning immediately,” said Ms Hamada.
“The municipalities will also cover roadworks up to December 16 Avenue at a cost of BD1.08m. Preliminary work has already started.
“Also, under municipal spending will come roadworks at a cost of BD600,000 to Jarradah Road.”
Ms Hamada said the first phase of construction on road networks in Buhair has just begun at a cost of BD9.9m. “The second phase will cost BD20.1m and the third BD11.6m under future programmes,” she added.
Drawings were also being completed for a trucks-only lane on King Hamad Highway, while maintenance work on 47 general roads would also be carried out.
Council chairman Abdulla Abdullatif said it was a ‘positive gesture’ for the ministry to open a new page with councillors rather than mysteriously start work, or just inform MPs, as had often been the case in the past.
The need for more open communication was once again voiced.
“MPs are politicians whose job is to carry out and review legislations and monitor government performance, while projects execution comes under us, the municipal councillors,” he said.
“People often blame us for not knowing more about projects with work suddenly starting following an announcement a day or two prior to it. We sometimes only find out what is happening from members of the public.
“Giving us a list of what is planned is something that we hope becomes the norm as we enter 2024.”
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
&uuid=(email))