.jpg?20260326')
Water meters on the ground level are being moved to nearby walls across Bahrain in a bid to improve safety and modernise the country’s utility infrastructure, according to a top official.
Electricity and Water Authority (EWA) vice-president of water affairs Ebrahim Al Kaabi told the Muharraq Municipal Council that proactive steps were being taken to ensure the meters were installed in safer, more accessible locations.
The initiative will start with Muharraq Governorate Constituency Two.
“We have already carried out the necessary work to move meters that were previously placed on the ground to nearby walls wherever possible,” said Mr Al Kaabi.
.jpg)
Mr Al Kaabi
“This is part of a wider initiative to ensure that meters across Bahrain are installed in a secure and efficient manner.”
He acknowledged that in some cases, meters remain on the ground due to space constraints.
“In certain locations, wall space is not available or practical for installation, so the meters have been adjusted on the ground in the safest manner possible,” he said.
“Work will continue across Bahrain to ensure all water meters are installed in a way that minimises risks to residents while ensuring accessibility for readings and maintenance.”
Mr Al Kaabi assured that EWA remains committed to the modernisation of Bahrain’s water infrastructure.
The council in session
In March, the council unanimously approved a proposal to replace old water meters across Bahrain with smart meters, citing safety hazards and billing inaccuracies associated with the current devices.
Councillor Dalal Al Meghawi, who led the proposal, pointed to numerous complaints from residents.
“People are being overcharged and this is unacceptable,” she claimed.
“The old meters have become unreliable, leading to disputes between consumers and the authorities.”
Ms Al Meghawi
Council chairman Abdulaziz Al Naar also highlighted the risks, particularly of meters installed above ground.
“Many people have tripped over these meters. We need a proper solution that prioritises both accuracy and public safety,” he said.
However, the modernisation plan has encountered resistance from the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, which has reportedly opposed the removal of particular old meters, arguing that they form part of Bahrain’s historical heritage.
To this, Mr Al Naar proposed a compromise.
“Meters that have historical value and do not pose any issues can be preserved,” he said.
“But a majority of them will have to be phased out as we believe they are outdated, unsafe and inaccurate.
Mr Al Naar, right, with council vice-chairman Saleh Buhazaa
The council has urged the EWA to accelerate the roll-out of smart meters.
“Improving the safety and accuracy of water meters should take precedence over bureaucratic hurdles,” said Mr Al Naar.
Meanwhile, the GDN earlier reported that all owners of groundwater wells in Bahrain have been urged to update their information by June 1 and replace their current water meters with electromagnetic ones by September 1.
The Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry said these owners were required to use meters equipped with General Packet Radio Service technology.
These measures have been approved by the local agricultural production department and aim to regulate and protect groundwater sources from depletion.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
&uuid=(email))