The Manama Municipality is set to begin planting trees, flowers and introduce grassy areas within coming weeks to give the capital a better image, said a top official.

"Greenery is not just for health and the environment, but is also important for beautification and to give people a relaxing atmosphere," Municipality Director-General Shaikh Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Khalifa said.

"Major highways like Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Highway, King Faisal Highway and Al Fateh Highway will all be turned green within the coming few weeks. Work on the new Al Fateh Corniche and Water Garden projects is also set to begin soon under new concepts of proper family recreational facilities and a green theme."

Shaikh Mohammed was speaking at the closing ceremony of Bahrain's Tree Week festivities held at Al Andalus Garden, Gudaibiya.

Several activities were held across the Capital Governorate's schools, public parks and gardens, homes and buildings to promote greenery in the last two weeks.

"We are keen to give the Manama Parks Friends a bigger voice in all our future development, revamp and maintenance projects from A to Z," said Shaikh Mohammed.

"The Friends' role is vital as it ensures that parks and gardens across the governorate are protected, maintained and cleaned and it is a responsibility we are handing to the public because we believe they are the real source of municipal authority.

"We will not carry out any future plan without Friends' input, it is not because we can't, rather we believe it is the right thing to ensure that we do work through partnership that everyone is happy with.

"A meeting will be scheduled with Manama Parks Friends president Hesham Al Haddad and all recommendations will be taken into consideration as we embark on a united effort for a better Manama."

Outstanding schools, students and people who contributed and participated in greenery schemes and projects in the Tree Week event were honoured during the ceremony.

The top students received BD100 ($265), with BD80 presented to the runners-up and BD60 to those who came third.

First place winners in the best gardens at schools and homes categories received BD200, with BD150 for second place and BD120 for third. – TradeArabia News Service