Stronger inspections, greener cities and streamlined building services are some of the reforms outlined by Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister Wael Al Mubarak during a meeting with Parliament’s financial and economic affairs committee.
Presenting a detailed visual briefing, Mr Al Mubarak highlighted performance results, follow-ups on earlier audit report recommendations and key achievements already delivered before the latest review cycle.
“Our approach is based on continuous evaluation and improvement,” he told MPs. “We do not wait for observations to act – many corrective measures were already implemented as part of our development plans whenever notified or spotted.”
The minister stressed ongoing co-ordination with the Industry and Commerce Ministry in areas of overlapping jurisdiction, including joint inspection campaigns covering establishments across the kingdom.
“We are working as one government team to ensure full compliance and raise standards,” he said.
The two ministries are also co-ordinating to license private veterinary quarantine facilities – opening the door for greater private-sector participation in the field.
With mobile food services expanding rapidly, Mr Al Mubarak said tighter regulation was being introduced. Municipalities are now notified electronically of licences issued through the Sijillat system to ensure proper oversight of food trucks and similar activities.
Meanwhile, 480 abandoned vehicles were removed during the latest inspection drive. Twelve municipal sites across all four governorates have been allocated for related commercial activities, with applications now processed through a dedicated electronic platform.
The minister added that environmental sustainability remains a priority. A Quality Control Unit has been established within the Afforestation Department to ensure the long-term health of trees and plants, he explained.
Plans for 2026 and 2027 include increasing production capacity at Adhari Nursery, alongside expanding seedling production in nurseries operated by municipalities.
The minister underscored the importance of the Towns and Villages Development and Home Restoration Scheme, which provides BD13,000 in financial assistance to eligible families in co-ordination with municipal councils and the Capital Trustees Board.
“There is a clear guidance manual and a dedicated electronic tracking system to ensure transparency and fairness in processing applications,” he said.
He also revealed that the number of engineering offices operating in Bahrain has risen, reflecting what he described as a “qualitative shift” in building permit procedures.
In co-ordination with the Information and eGovernment Authority, steps are under way to integrate Civil Defense approvals into the Buildings system prior to issuing permits. There are also plans to authorise engineering offices to issue building completion certificates, subject to ministry supervision and post-audit controls.
“This will accelerate services while maintaining strict regulatory oversight,” Mr Al Mubarak noted.
The ministry has prepared 10-year project plans submitted to the Finance and National Economy Ministry, ensuring strategic alignment and financial sustainability.
A technical study on licensing carports outside residential units has also been completed, with implementation procedures being finalised in consultation with municipal councils and the Capital Trustees Board.
“Our mission is to balance development with regulation, sustainability with growth,” Mr Al Mubarak told MPs. “We are building smarter systems, greener communities and more efficient municipal services for the future of Bahrain.”
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