Parliament yesterday unanimously approved a set of recommendations linked to the 2024-2025 report of the National Audit Office (NAO), following extensive debate and ministerial responses on governance, staffing, public spending and service efficiency.
The recommendations were presented by the financial and economic affairs committee chaired by MP Ahmed Al Salloom, who stressed that the move reflects ‘constructive parliamentary oversight aimed at strengthening accountability – not confrontation’.
“We have reached a point where constructive collaboration between the legislative and executive branches is essential to ensure transparency, accountability and prudent public administration,” Mr Al Salloom said. “These recommendations are forward-looking measures designed to support sustainable governance.”
Among the key committee recommendations was a proposal to apply Bahrainisation quotas across entire commercial establishments rather than on individual branches, which MPs say would help create more job opportunities for Bahrainis.
The committee also urged stricter adherence to the Civil Service Law, clearer timelines for replacing expatriates with qualified Bahrainis, improved budget utilisation, and stronger internal oversight systems.
Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Minister Nawaf Al Maawda, who is also acting Parliament and Shura Council Affairs Minister, revealed that the government has implemented 93.9 per cent of the NAO recommendations.
“This reflects the seriousness with which the government deals with these observations,” he said.
Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister Wael Al Mubarak highlighted that three municipalities – the Capital Trustees Authority, Northern Municipality and Southern Municipality – recorded ‘zero’ remarks in the regulatory oversight of final accounts.
“This is the result of continuous governance and follow-up,” he said. “Over the past five years, the number of audit observations concerning the ministry has dropped by 50 per cent.”
He added that 100pc of recommendations in several performance reports had been implemented, including those related to regulatory health, building permits, marine tourism and optimal energy use. Implementation of safety procedures have reached 96pc, while 65pc of recommendations related to groundwater preservation and green space expansion have been completed, with work ongoing.
“All tenders and auctions are supervised by the Tenders and Auctions Board,” he said.
“We are proud of our partnership with the private sector – 18 companies compete across 45 advertising sites. In the Northern Municipality alone, five companies operate 10 contracts.”
Transportation and Telecommunications Minister Dr Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa spoke about staffing pressures in civil aviation.
“Air Traffic Management handles more than 500,000 flights per year. This requires extremely high technical accuracy and concentration,” he said.
He revealed that the ministry has begun final procedures, in co-ordination with the Civil Service Commission, to recruit and train Bahraini talent for air traffic control roles.
“The team has been under pressure, which is why some employees were on temporary contracts. Interviews have been completed and they are now entering the final training and employment stages,” he added.
Dr Shaikh Abdulla added that unemployment is a shared national challenge. “Half of Bahrainis are young. This is a growing challenge that requires all of us to work together to create vacancies and opportunities in line with Royal directives.”
Under-Secretary for Ports and Maritime Affairs at the ministry Bader Al Mahmood noted that 95pc of services are now electronic, including payments, contributing to improved revenue tracking and service efficiency.
Finance and National Economy Ministry Under-Secretary Yousif Humood addressed concerns over the rising deficit and public debt, explaining that Bahrain’s Fiscal Balance Programme had been revised twice due to exceptional circumstances such as Covid-19. He noted that pending payments from Bapco Energies had been received, improving cash flow.
MPs approved the committee’s recommendations and referred them to the Cabinet.
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