Smart solar-powered benches could be erected at Bahrain’s gardens, parks, walkways and coasts, if councillors have their way.
The Muharraq Municipal Council has unanimously approved a proposal by Muharraq Governorate constituency three (Bahrain International Airport area) councillor Abdulqader Al Sayed to set up the new benches at public recreational facilities across the country.
Mr Al Sayed
Bapco Energies has already installed 100 such benches that are powered by solar panels. Some of them even include solar controllers, smart inverters, WiFi advertising routers, USB fast chargers, wireless charger holder, bluetooth speaker and built-in LED energy-saving lamps.
The benches have been erected at Arad Bay and Al Fateh Corniche.
“The conventional cement benches don’t match the country’s modern, environmental-friendly and healthy approach,” said Muharraq Municipal Council chairman Abdulaziz Al Naar.
Mr Al Naar
“They are also ugly and impractical for the modern world,” he added.
“People want to relax and enjoy their time at a municipal facility and chat with friends and family on social media, while being seated comfortably.
“The smart benches are so amazing that people have started to go to the places where they have been set up, rather than parks or walkways that don’t have them.
“Arad Bay is now attracting more visitors, thanks to those smart benches.”
Meanwhile, Capital Trustees Board chairman Saleh Tarradah said normal cement benches cost around BD75 while solar benches would cost double that amount.
Mr Tarradah
“I cannot disagree that the new benches are much better than the conventional ones, but can the government cover the cost?” he asked.
“It is like putting 50pc fewer benches across municipal facilities or having to pay double to cover the country’s 100 public parks.
“Unless a deal is reached with Bapco Energies or others for more such benches, it would not be financially viable to replace cement seats with new hi-tech ones.”
Airport area MP Mohammed Al Olaiwi responded that even if the government spends on the new benches, it would end up saving more following the shift from conventional to solar power.
Mr Al Olaiwi
This comes on the heels of an urgent proposal to revamp all mosques and worship places in the Muharraq Governorate. The plea has been submitted by five MPs led by Mr Al Olaiwi.
“Solar benches should also be set up in mosques and worship places,” said Mr Al Olaiwi.
“I support anything that harnesses solar power and technology, especially in parks and gardens. If lights, surveillance cameras and other electrical appliances at mosques and other worship places rely on solar technology, it’s better.
“The council’s proposal is excellent as it is futuristic and saves money, and I hope the project is expanded further to include more areas.”
The council’s services and public utilities committee chairman Ahmed Al Meghawi said arrangements have been made with Bapco Energies for more batches of benches.
Mr Al Meghawi
“We will have to decide on where the new benches would be set up next, but as I have been informed, it is a long-term commitment,” he said.
“Hopefully, by the end of 2024, all the cement benches would be gone and beautiful ones supplied by Bapco Energies would take their place.”
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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