Manama:Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister, chaired the 318th meeting of the Ministerial Committee for Development Projects and Infrastructure. The committee expressed gratitude to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa for inaugurating the opening of the fifth session of the sixth legislative term of the Shura Council and the Council of Representatives.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the committee praised the Royal Address, which highlighted the government's efforts under the guidance of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. The Royal Address was seen as a framework for setting priorities to enhance cooperation between the executive and legislative branches to achieve national goals.
The committee appreciated the Crown Prince and Prime Minister's directive allowing citizens to retroactively register for the Electricity and Water Authority's monthly fixed-bill system from May. This initiative aims to stabilize bill payments for citizens' first homes by crediting differences between issued and average bills during this period.
The Survey and Land Registration Bureau was congratulated by the committee for obtaining the ISO 90012015 certification, reflecting its commitment to quality management standards. Additionally, the committee welcomed the opening of Al Casino Park in Muharraq, which is part of ongoing efforts to enhance the urban environment while preserving historical and cultural identity.
The committee acknowledged the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications' collaboration with the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities to integrate cultural destinations into the public transport network, fostering sustainable cultural routes.
Progress on infrastructure projects was noted, including upgrades to roads leading to Bahrain International Airport and the Busaiteen Link project. The committee emphasized Bahrain's commitment to fostering Gulf Cooperation Council integration through hosting and participating in various ministerial and consultative meetings.
Efforts to develop digital government services were also highlighted, reflecting a commitment to digital transformation for efficient citizen services. In honor of Bahraini Engineer's Day, the committee recognized the contributions of national engineers to infrastructure and development projects.
Ongoing projects in Muharraq were discussed, with significant progress reported in housing and infrastructure development. The committee stressed the importance of coordination among entities to preserve Muharraq's historical and cultural heritage while developing infrastructure.
Efforts by the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture to regulate markets and protect public health were reviewed, including campaigns against unlicensed markets. New standards for directional road signs were approved, with the Ministry tasked with ensuring compliance.
Preliminary approval was given to proposals for amending public road occupation regulations and regularizing minor building violations in investment properties, provided safety is not compromised.