The foundation stone for a 270-hectare project featuring up to 4,500 housing units, one of the key strategic development schemes in Bahrain, was laid yesterday (May 21), a report said.

His Majesty King Hamad deputised HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier, to attend the ceremony, according to the Gulf Daily News, our sister publication.

The Crown Prince hailed East Hidd housing project as part of the development process led by His Majesty.

He paid tribute to the government, led by HRH Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa for the landmark achievements.

He also highlighted the importance of boosting the development momentum, stressing equality and justice between citizens.

The Crown Prince urged hope and dedicated efforts to promote stability and preserve the national identity.

The project, which includes housing units, flats and land plots, is part of official policies to construct full-fledged residential towns boasting all amenities.

"Once completed, it will contribute to meeting the applications on the waiting lists since 2009," Housing Minister Bassem Al Hamer said, paying tribute to the King for patronising the ceremony.

On behalf of citizens benefiting from the project, Helal Al Thawadi addressed the ceremony and thanked His Majesty.

The Crown Prince then laid the foundation, giving the go-ahead for work on the project to start.

Five-hundred housing units and an equal number of plots were distributed on the sidelines of the ceremony to citizens residing in Hidd, as part of the first stage of the multi-phase project. - TradeArabia News Service