Work on Salmabad housing project in Bahrain has been ordered to be stepped up so that it can be completed by June.

His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, chairing the weekly Cabinet session, ordered authorities concerned to quickly provide the basic services, particularly electricity, water and sewerage network.

The meeting discussed progress of work on housing projects around Bahrain and criticised delay in providing basic services, which prevented tenants from moving into their units and flats, despite completion of construction work.

Housing Minister Bassem Al Hamer briefed the session on co-ordination with parties concerned regarding these services.

HRH the Premier gave directives for work on basic services to go hand in hand with construction work.

The session discussed licences issued last for construction and investment projects.

Municipalities and Urban Planning Affairs Minister Dr Juma Al Ka'abi submitted a memorandum in this regard.

The ministers stressed the need to protect cultural and heritage sites and alleviate traffic congestion when issuing such licences.

HRH the Premier hailed a keynote speech by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander.

'The address featured patriotic visions and orientations based on the vision of His Majesty King Hamad,' he said, stressing the importance of protecting security and stability, protecting national unity and enforcing the rule of the law.

The session also extended support for the content of the speech.

'Construction and investment projects must be in line with Bahrain's strategic plan,' Cabinet Affairs Minister Kamal Ahmed said.

The session underscored the importance of expanding the scope for investment projects to cover all governorates.

Ministries and government departments were asked to provide feedback on the National Administrative and Financial Audit Court 2009 remarks and give the necessary justification.

Deputy Premier and head of the ministerial committee for financial and economic affairs Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa gave a presentation on the panel's work regarding the report.

Industry and Commerce Minister Dr Hassan Fakhro submitted a report on plots being allotted for industrial projects, based on a technical assessment of demands on the waiting list.

According to the survey, the ministry approved 22 applications last March, to lease up to 104,000 square metres for industrial projects around Bahrain.

An estimated BD24 million will be invested in this string of industrial projects.-TradeArabia News Service