Tighter spending controls and a sharper focus on priority infrastructure projects – including a five-year maintenance plan covering 40 schools – have been pledged by Works Minister Ibrahim Al Hawaj.
A delegation led by the minister held a meeting with Parliament’s financial and economic affairs committee and welcomed the panel’s observations in the 2025 audit report.
The ministry reiterated its commitment to full transparency and stronger governance across all operational areas.
Addressing concerns over overspending, the minister explained that additional works were undertaken without new allocations.
“The overspending resulted from ad hoc projects that were necessary but did not have separate financial allocations,” he said. “We co-ordinate closely with the Finance and National Economy Ministry to determine implementation priorities and ensure that urgent national needs are addressed first.”
He stressed that expenditure is now being concentrated on high-priority projects based on actual requirements, with non-urgent requests carefully reviewed by specialised teams before approval.
On inventory management, Mr Al Hawaj clarified that the ministry does not operate large warehouses and is working continuously to reconcile data between the electronic inventory system and receipt and disbursement documentation.
He confirmed that a recommendation requiring recipients to sign for materials upon receipt has already been implemented.
Work is also underway to inventory stagnant items at the road planning and design warehouse – particularly traffic signs – during the first quarter of 2026. Additional measures related to traffic sign storage and fire suppression systems are being implemented this year in co-ordination with relevant teams.
Mr Al Hawaj said the ministry is currently responsible for maintenance projects for 17 government entities.
A flagship initiative, in partnership with the Education Ministry, covers a five-year school maintenance programme targeting 40 schools annually.
“So far, 12 schools have been revitalised and five historical schools have undergone maintenance,” he revealed. “This reflects our commitment not only to functionality, but also to preserving heritage facilities.”
He noted that a government-wide restructuring of building maintenance is underway. Standardised maintenance contracts have been introduced, with all entities required to adhere to unified specifications, supervision standards and expenditure controls.
“We are working to regulate technical standards, implementation processes and financial oversight to ensure consistency and efficiency,” he said.
Regarding maintenance at Bahrain University, Mr Al Hawaj said the ministry conducted site visits, prepared evaluations, determined costs and defined technical specifications.
“However, the responsibility for securing the necessary budget lies with the concerned entity in co-ordination with the Finance and National Economy Ministry,” he added.
Similarly, the Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Ministry building requires comprehensive maintenance and a full replacement of its air-conditioning system.
“The building was constructed during a specific period and now requires major upgrades,” he said. “The allocated budget is currently insufficient to carry out the required works.”
Mr Al Hawaj emphasised the ministry’s commitment to prioritisation and fiscal discipline.
“We are aligning technical expertise with financial realities,” he told MPs. “Our focus is on delivering sustainable infrastructure, preserving public assets and ensuring every dinar is spent where it is most needed.”
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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