THE first phase of the passenger building at the new $1 billion Bahrain International Airport complex – comprising 85 per cent of the total project – is set for completion by the end of this month.
The second phase would be divided into two parts – one ready for handover in July and the other in July next year (2021), said Transportation and Telecommunications Minister Kamal Ahmed.
In a written response to Shura Council human rights committee chairman Ahmed Al Haddad, he added that the current main building would be demolished to pave way for part of the second phase while the rest would be left vacant for future expansions.
The Shura Council members are set to be notified about the response during their weekly session on Sunday.
“The project is funded by the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, while Bahrain government financed work related to the rehabilitation of the location and consultancy services, while the Bahrain Airport Company has built a multi-storey car park on its own expense.
“Due to the need for more employees the company has trained and employed 150 Bahrainis in different departments.”
The new 207,000sqm terminal building will include a 4,600sqm departure hall, 104 check-in counters, 36 passport control booths and 24 security screening points.
It is four times the size of the existing terminal and will be able to accommodate 14 million passengers a year.
Other features will include two main hospitality lounges, one run by national carrier Gulf Air and the other by the company.
A hotel, pharmacy and a privately-managed airport clinic are among amenities that will greet travellers at the terminal.
Meanwhile, a vote on a proposal to upgrade civil servants every year as an automatic annual promotion is set to be taken on Sunday.
The amendment to the 2010 Civil Service Law would also guarantee civil servants’ automatic pay rise with the new grade.
The chamber is also set to debate amendments to the 2018 Bankruptcy Law, allowing claims to be made in Bahrain for money owed by foreign bankrupt companies, firms and establishments who have an office, property or asset in the kingdom.
The 195-article law covers private individuals and businesses, but cases relating to financial institutions and insurance companies will be overseen by the Central Bank of Bahrain.
Shura members will also vote to insist on their amendments to the 2002 Fishing Organisation, Catching and Protection Law that would grant a three-year licence at once for the price of three rather than a three-year licence for the price of one year as approved by MPs.
mohammed@gdn.com.bh
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