A major urbanisation scheme which includes revamps of key roads and sewage networks and construction of new infrastructure and community facilities across Bahrain will be introduced next year.

The project, which has been approved by the Cabinet, will be carried out by the Municipalities and Urban Planning Affairs Ministry. It will replace an existing scheme in which upgrading work was being carried out area by area.

Designs for the scheme have already been completed and it includes projects in 10 towns and villages across the country in the next two years.

"Budget for the scheme has not been determined as yet. However, it will be assigned by the Cabinet and presented to the National Assembly for approval. It will not come directly from our municipal coffers," said Municipalities and Urban Planning Affairs Minister Dr Juma Al Ka'abi.

"We have prioritised all towns and villages suggested to us by Bahrain's municipal councils and selected two from each governorate that best suits the scheme criteria. Artist impressions have already been completed. Work will begin immediately when the budget gets allocated."

Dr Al Ka'abi said since the government was footing the bill, the ministry would work hard to ensure the fast progress of work.

"We have acquired private land from our budget to help expand roads, build sewage networks or rain drain holes. In some cases, the land will be turned into proper car parks, as requested by residents," he said.

"The ministry has also spent huge amounts to purchase land for new schools, community halls and power stations, amongst others. Our work now comes to ensure that we start without delay early next year." – TradeArabia News Service