LIGHTS could be installed along the sides of pavements in new areas of Bahrain under a new proposal submitted yesterday.
Southern Municipal Council chairman Bader Al Tamimi, who presented the motion, said the new lighting system would be faster to set up and cost less.
He added that the new system could be used to replace derelict pavements across the country under a gradual plan following successful trials.
“We are facing problems with several areas that are dark as the necessary budgets for infrastructure are not available leading to severe accidents and deaths,” said Mr Al Tamimi.
“Kerb-side lighting is cheaper and faster to install than the conventional lights as they provide a two-in-one service that sees lights and pavements built.
“The pavements will look nice, be safe and coloured lights could be used depending on the location.
“We are looking for solar-powered pavements as the future is in renewable energy.”
He added that the new pavements were already being installed in Saudi Arabia and Jordan.
“We don’t need to get the same pavements as other countries and there are models that suit us or could be custom-made for Bahrain depending on our needs all at affordable prices as we would go for bulk,” said Mr Al Tamimi.
“The pavement lights could be used to light up roundabouts, neighbourhoods and green spaces amongst multiple other uses and they are much lighter, environmental-friendly and unbreakable from the current concrete.
“Easily they could last from five to 10 years without fading in colour or damages to texture if protected with special coating from ultraviolet radiation.
“This means that the government wouldn’t just save costs on installation of two services but also on annual maintenance that is currently draining its coffers.”
Mr Al Tamimi said the new pavements could be tested in Askar and Sakhir, two mostly dark areas, before being installed elsewhere if found flawless.
“Things could progress from dark areas to replace derelict pavements across the country under a gradual plan following successful trials and since it would come from our council then we prefer testing it in Askar and Sakhir,” he said.
If the proposal is approved during the council meeting tomorrow, it will be referred to Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Minister Essam Khalaf for review.
mohammed@gdn.com.bh
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