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A comprehensive street lighting project targeting the inner areas of Muharraq governorate has been unveiled by councillors.
It will see solar-powered lamps installed in residential areas and neighbourhoods that currently lack proper lighting systems due to infrastructural gaps.
The project, set to be implemented over the next 18 months, is aimed at enhancing public safety and residents are being encouraged to report unlit streets or areas requiring immediate attention.
Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry municipal affairs Under-Secretary Shaikh Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Khalifa confirmed that the Works Ministry will lead the implementation of the scheme while maintenance work will be carried out by the Electricity and Water Authority.
“This is a high-priority initiative,” said Shaikh Mohammed.
Shaikh Mohammed
“We are actively co-ordinating with the Muharraq Municipal Council to assess requests, prioritise them based on urgency and begin execution in stages.
“Solar-powered lighting is an environmentally conscious solution that also addresses operational efficiency, especially in areas where power connectivity may be limited or where sustainable infrastructure is being promoted.”
The project is expected to cover residential lanes, access roads, alleyways and community pathways, particularly in long-neglected inner areas of the governorate.
“The council will ensure the voices of the people are heard,” said Shaikh Mohammed.
“We want to work hand-in-hand with the community to make this initiative a success.”
According to Shaikh Mohammed, the model could be adopted in other governorates depending on its success in Muharraq, potentially making the project a pilot for wider nationwide rollout.
Meanwhile, Muharraq Municipal Council chairman Abdulaziz Al Naar welcomed the initiative, saying it directly addresses a critical challenge for residents.
Mr Al Naar
“It is completely unrealistic for people to continue living in areas where they cannot even safely step out of their homes after dark,” Mr Al Naar said. “This project is not just about lights, it’s about restoring dignity and ensuring safety for families, children, and the elderly.”
He claimed that many of the neighbourhoods in question have seen growing populations and increased housing density over the last few years, and yet basic public services, like lighting, have not kept pace.
“Streetlights are not a luxury, they’re a necessity. We are grateful to the government for recognising this and stepping in with a structured, long-term plan,” added Mr Al Naar.
“As work gets underway, the 18-month lighting campaign promises to brighten not just the roads of Muharraq, but also the everyday lives of thousands of residents who have long waited for this essential service,” he added.
Bahrain has committed to reducing carbon emissions by 30 per cent by 2035 and reach net zero in 2060.
This aligns with several key initiatives, including the National Action Plan’s ‘Blueprint Bahrain’ to achieve carbon neutrality and the kingdom’s afforestation plan, which aims to increase the number of trees to 3.6 million by 2035.
The GDN reported in November that Bahrain is actively working towards diversifying energy sources, with solar power expected to generate up to 1,300 megawatts (MW) by 2040. The kingdom currently has around 74MW of solar energy connected to the national grid, which is expected to increase to 250MW in the coming year and eventually to 300MW by 2030 and 1,300MW by 2040.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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