Work on the $1.3 billion Reef Island project is to be completed by 2010, according to officials.

Located near Bahrain Financial District on Northern Manama beachfront, the Island project site has become an ant-like colony, with more than 1,200 workers as its proceeds upbeat, they said.

The 579,000 sq m development will host 39 residential buildings, 65 villas and 49 beach villas, in addition to a five-star hotel a shopping mall, lakes and gardens.

"The project is progressing according to plans and work on the first phase is proceeding steadily," said project manager Waleed Hayek said.

"Work on the infrastructure component, which kick-started early August, 2006, is expected to be completed in April this year."

The infrastructure phase includes irrigation, electricity, roads and sewerage and telecommunications networks.

Sewerage water will be used for irrigation of the green areas, which will cover an approximate 60 per cent of the Island.

The construction of buildings, villas and beach villas, which started last August, is expected to be completed by June next year.-TradeArabia News Service