TEMPORARY electricity cables and water pipes could be provided for homes and buildings under construction in a bid to stop improper connections or the use of cheap generators and pumps.
An urgent parliamentary proposal to have the new temporary service offered by the Electricity and Water Authority (EWA) has been submitted by five MPs led by Mohammed Al Marafi.
Mr Al Marafi believes the move would provide the EWA with a new source of revenue, while relieving people of hassles getting necessary connections to help with the construction work.
“People carrying out construction currently just ask owners of nearby existing buildings or homes to illegally extend electrical or water connections from their main supply to help them during work,” he said.
“It is the easiest and fastest way available to ensure construction work is not delayed or affected.
“Others just rent out cheap generators or pumps that are not environmentally-friendly, while also being noisy.
“It is much more convenient if the EWA provides the temporary service for fees paid in advance or through a bill.”
The GDN reported on Saturday that construction work on infrastructure projects near residential areas could be restricted to pre-determined times of the day and strictly monitored.
A proposal to ensure this, spearheaded by five MPs led by Bader Al Tamimi, comes amid numerous public complaints from Bahrain’s three municipal councils and the Capital Trustees Board.
Angry residents have been constantly demanding an end to noisy early-morning and late-night construction work which is robbing them of sleep and peace of mind.
Parliament’s public utilities and environment affairs committee has now referred the proposal to all four municipal bodies for their opinion before presenting it in the open chamber at an upcoming session.
The Muharraq Municipal Council is set to vote on the proposal, but with their own set of regulations, during their meeting today.
Councillors there have suggested that work start at 7am and end at sunset.
They have also added that work be prohibited during national holidays and both days of the weekend.
However, in case of an emergency, work could be allowed with soundproof equipment being used.
Meanwhile, another urgent proposal to introduce a new cash prize for policemen uncovering or finding contraband items, while doubling danger allowances for Customs and Immigration officers has also been presented.
It was presented by five MPs led by Hamad Al Doy.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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