The social impact of labour camps on residential zones came under the spotlight at a Cabinet meeting chaired by His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa.

'The session discussed the controversial issue at the Premier's instructions,' Cabinet Affairs Minister Shaikh Ahmed bin Ateyatala Al Khalifa said.

HRH the Premier instructed the Labour and Municipalities and Agriculture ministries to draft an exhaustive report on labour camps, particularly the plight of single expats, in residential zones.

They were also ordered to table practical proposals to ensure privacy in these areas.

Proposals on providing special accommodation for expatriate labourers were also urged.

'Such special accommodation will have to meet the health, safety and environmental terms and honour international and human standards,' Shaikh Ahmed said.

HRH the Premier asserted the crucial importance of media as a channel linking officials and citizens.

He stressed the role of the media in shaping public opinion, particularly talk show programmes which highlight key issues.

He lauded citizens for participating in such programmes, which, he said, reflects their intellectual and cultural maturity and patriotic mettle.

He also urged the Culture and Information Ministry to encourage citizens to continue on this path and engage in live talk show programmes, highlighting their problems and opinions.

The session discussed a follow-up of work on key development and service projects.

HRH the Premier gave directives to fast-track work on East Sitra housing scheme and finalise administrative and technical procedures.

The ministers reviewed draft proposals to implement a law specifying the salaries of the Premier, deputy premiers and ministers, as well as the package of privileges including car and telephone.

They discussed the signing of memoranda of understanding between the Labour Ministry and its Turkish and Pakistani counterparts.

Municipalities and Agriculture Minister Dr Juma Al Ka'abi updated the session on Bahrain's participation in the forthcoming World Cities Summit.

The global gathering is expected to open on June 28 in Singapore and run until July 2.-TradeArabia News Service