Riffa: Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister, chaired the 305th meeting of the Ministerial Committee for Development Projects and Infrastructure. The committee discussed various initiatives aimed at enhancing infrastructure and improving the quality of life for citizens.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the committee acknowledged the inauguration of Shaikh Abdullah bin Salman bin Khalid Al Khalifa Avenue, a vital link between Al Hunainiyah Avenue and Al Muaskar Highway in Riffa. The Ministry of Works received commendation for its role in executing such critical projects with high standards of quality and efficiency. The committee also highlighted the collaborative efforts of all entities involved, which facilitated the completion of this significant traffic route.
The meeting further recognized the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture for opening Al Qaryah Park in Block 551 of the Northern Governorate. This initiative is part of the government's strategy to foster urban development and expand green spaces, thereby enhancing residents' quality of life through integrated recreational facilities.
Additionally, the committee praised the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning for laying the foundation stone for a project in Salman City. This initiative aims to construct 24 housing units under the Government Land Development Rights Programme. The committee emphasized the significance of public-private partnerships in advancing social housing projects and offering diverse housing solutions for citizens.
The committee also welcomed new digital services launched by the Survey and Land Registration Bureau (SLRB) and the Urban Planning and Development Authority. These services are part of the government's broader digital transformation agenda, designed to streamline procedures and improve service delivery to citizens.
Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah directed the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture to extend the timeline for relocating scrap activities from Al Mazra'a to a new site in Hafirah, ensuring business continuity for beneficiaries. He also instructed the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning to coordinate the installation of road signs to facilitate access to the Al Ramli area.
The committee reviewed and approved a proposal to enhance wastewater systems by connecting treatment plants in several areas, aiming to reduce operational burdens on the Tubli Wastewater Treatment Plant. The Ministry of Works was assigned to implement this proposal.
Further discussions included updates on the Tamouh programme, which reported a 105% increase in beneficiaries between April 2025 and April 2026. This programme provides supplementary financing to citizens previously benefiting from housing finance programmes.
The committee also approved a new feature for the Benayat building permit system, requiring engineering offices to submit as-built information and construction maps as per regulatory standards. The Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture will oversee the legal proceedings necessary for implementation.
Periodic reports on the afforestation plan showed a 13% achievement of the annual target as of May. The committee also reviewed the Benayat building permit system statistics, noting that permits are issued within 1.9 working days on average.
Additionally, governance procedures on expropriation and compensation management were discussed, with the committee noting timely completion of procedures. Performance indicators for cadastral transactions at the SLRB showed a reduction in average completion time to 15 working days, down from 17 working days earlier in the year.