
MPs to discuss government steps to tackle rising construction costs and quarry closure
TDT | Manama
Construction costs are climbing, and MPs will press the government next Tuesday on how it plans to tackle the issue.
A debate delayed from previous sessions in Parliament will cover rising prices, supply shortages, and the expected shutdown of Bahrain's only quarry in 2025.
MP Hassan Ibrahim will open the discussion, which will look at what steps the government is taking to rein in costs and how quickly it intends to act.
Backup plans
MPs want details on backup plans for when the quarry shuts and how that will affect housing and development projects.
They will also examine whether the number of transporters moving materials through Bahrain's ports is enough and what's being done to bring in more supplies from Gulf countries.
Other points of concern include the effect of shortages on government projects already in motion, possible workarounds, and whether investment in the construction materials sector is being encouraged.
MPs will also discuss longterm supply deals with Gulf countries to keep costs stable, as well as the future of alternative housing projects, including the Mazaya scheme, and other developments with fixed budgets.
The request was put forward by MPs Hassan Ibrahim, Abdulnabi Salman, Hisham Al Ashiri, Mahmood Fardan, Jameela Alawi, Ali Al Nuaimi, Mahdi Al Shuwaiq, Mamdouh Al Saleh, Jalal Kadhem, and Mohsen Al Asbool.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Daily Tribune
4 days ago
- Daily Tribune
MPs review harsher penalties for deadly traffic offences
TDT | Manama Tougher punishments for traffic offences that cause injury or death are being reviewed by Parliament's Foreign Affairs, Defence and National Security Committee. The panel is studying several proposed changes to the Traffic Law in coordination with the Ministry of Interior, which has been closely involved in the process. One proposal targets drivers who run red lights and end up causing an accident. Guilty At present, those found guilty face between three months and a year behind bars, a fine ranging from BD1,000 to BD3,000, or both. If someone dies as a result, the punishment is doubled. That means a minimum of six months in prison and a fine of at least BD2,000. Speeding is also in the frame. Penalty Under Article 50 of the law, anyone caught driving more than 30 per cent over the speed limit faces a similar penalty: no less than three months in jail and a BD1,000 fine, or either one. If there is a death, or the same offence is repeated within 12 months, the sanction is doubled. The committee said it had gone over these clauses line by line and was now weighing proposed changes. It wants stronger consequences for dangerous behaviour behind the wheel, especially when it puts lives at risk. Views The Ministry of Interior has been involved throughout and continues to share its views with lawmakers. The committee said it would keep studying any new input from the ministry, particularly in light of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister's instruction to look again at penalties for road offences that result in serious harm or loss of life. That instruction, the committee said, puts the safety of road users at the top of the agenda.


Daily Tribune
5 days ago
- Daily Tribune
Sewage works begin in Saraya Abu Quwah after 24-year wait
Work is now in motion to lay a sewage network in Saraya Abu Quwah, Block 457, after a wait stretching back 24 years. The scheme will serve 875 properties and, according to the Ministry of Works, is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2027. The cost stands at BD5.7 million. Minister of Works Ibrahim Al Hawaj said the project forms part of a wider push to improve the nuts and bolts of public infrastructure across Bahrain, with the aim of keeping pace with growing urban demand. The move follows repeated calls by MP Hassan Ibrahim, who said residents had long relied on tankers and paid monthly out of pocket for basic waste services. He said he spent two years raising the issue with both the Ministry of Works and the Ministry of Finance. State budget He credited Finance and National Economy Minister, His Excellency Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, with advancing the matter and securing the project's inclusion in the 2025 to 2026 state budget. The Works Ministry, he added, has already connected large parts of the Northern Governorate to the sewage grid. The rest of Block 457 will be covered based on technical readiness, the number of existing properties, and the availability of funds. Mr Ibrahim called for clear schedules and better coordination across service agencies to avoid similar hold-ups. He said the ministry was continuing to push ahead with infrastructure plans across various areas, guided by the current list of priorities.


Daily Tribune
26-05-2025
- Daily Tribune
Shura reviews 49 laws in latest session
Forty-nine legislative items were reviewed by Shura Council during its third regular session of the sixth legislative term, including a draft law that led to a rare joint meeting of both chambers after two failed attempts to reach agreement. The session, which comprised 29 regular sittings and one extraordinary meeting, also saw members use their questioning powers and introduce a range of new proposals. Of the 38 draft laws examined, 30 were backed by both chambers and sent to the government to be passed on to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. Seven were returned to Parliament for reconsideration. One measure stalled after it was exchanged twice between the chambers, leading to a National Assembly meeting under Article 85 of the Constitution. Twelve other drafts remain under review in committee. Three Royal Decrees with the force of law were agreed and referred to Parliament for the purpose of notifying the government. Another three remained pending when Royal Order No. 14 of 2025 brought the session to a close. Council members also submitted legislative proposals of their own. Seven were examined and forwarded to the government. One was rejected and three are still being considered in committee. The Council considered two reports on final accounts and financial statements. A further two remain under study by the Financial and Economic Affairs Committee. Members submitted 23 questions to ministers, covering matters such as finance, employment, health, education, services, environmental issues, and legal affairs. The responses were received and discussed during the session, touching on policies that continue to attract public attention.