Bahrain is committed to maintaining high standards while developing its infrastructure to keep pace with the growing urban, economic and investment activities, a minister has said.
Works Minister Ibrahim Al Hawaj yesterday asserted that project timelines were being met, with measures taken against contractors who fail to comply with rules or instructions.
To maintain stringent oversight, each project is assigned a dedicated team, including engineers, assistant engineers and technical specialists, who conduct daily inspections, ensuring that the materials used meet the required standards, he said.
“Furthermore, before commencing any project, all materials undergo rigorous testing and approval by the materials engineering department at the ministry, in collaboration with accredited external laboratories,” he added.
He made the remarks while responding to a question by Shura Council member Dr Abdulaziz Al Ajman.
Mr Al Hawaj said a key policy implemented by the ministry is the prohibition of excavations on newly-paved roads for at least two years, unless absolutely necessary.
“This measure has been taken to prevent frequent disruptions and to protect the quality and aesthetic appeal of newly-developed streets,” he added.
“The ministry co-ordinates with all infrastructure-related entities during the planning phase, ensuring that essential underground services are completed before asphalt paving begins.
“Additionally, pre-installed ducts and conduits are integrated into new roads, allowing future service expansions without the need for asphalt cutting.”
The minister said that before launching any road project, the ministry ensures a thorough review by issuing a work permit form to all relevant service authorities.
“This step prevents conflicts between infrastructure work and secures the necessary approvals before execution,” he said.
“For strategic projects, there is an additional layer of review to identify and resolve any potential conflicts before or during implementation.”
Mr Al Hawaj stressed that Bahrain’s stormwater drainage networks are completed before road paving to prevent flooding.
“In some projects, sanitary infrastructure development is carried out simultaneously, minimising disruptions to residents and businesses,” he said.
“We also aim to mitigate traffic congestion and inconvenience to commercial establishments during roadworks. The ministry requires prior approval from the traffic diversion department and the General Directorate of Traffic before implementing any road closures or detours.
“Once approval is granted, public announcements are made through various platforms, including social media, ensuring that affected parties are well-informed.
“Additionally, safety measures are put in place to facilitate the smooth flow of traffic during constructions.”
Mr Al Hawaj said that to uphold high-quality standards and ensure timely project delivery, the ministry enforces a rigorous contractor qualification process.
“Contractors are evaluated based on their past performances, financial and technical capabilities, and adherence to project schedules and specifications,” he said.
“The ministry also offers training programmes and workshops to familiarise contractors with modern construction technologies and project management methodologies.”
He said a dedicated supervision team continuously monitors the quality of work before approving any financial payments to contractors.
“If materials or workmanship fail to meet specifications, contractors are immediately notified, and repeated violations result in formal warnings,” he said.
“Furthermore, non-compliance with timelines without a valid justification leads to financial penalties in accordance with government engineering contract regulations.
He added that the ministry assesses the performances of all contractors and only the best would be eligible for future tenders.
“By minimising unnecessary road disruptions, enhancing co-ordination between service providers, and ensuring superior construction standards, the ministry is driving the nation’s sustainable development forward,” said Mr Al Hawaj.
Shura Council members were notified about the response during the weekly session yesterday.
They were also notified about two other written responses from Transportation and Telecommunications Minister Dr Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa on smart public transport and acting Labour Minister and Legal Affairs Minister Youssef Khalaf on timely wage payments.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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