Latest news with #KhalidBuOnk
Zawya
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Proposal to establish public schools in Bahrain's Diyar Al Muharraq
Bahrain - A proposal to establish public schools in Diyar Al Muharraq to meet the needs of the people in the area is being spearheaded by two MPs. It is being led by area MPs Khalid Bu Onk and Hesham Al Awadhi who claim that families in the area would 'greatly benefit' from having a school close to where they live. The explanatory note submitted with the proposal said that the government should allocate land for the school. 'The Diyar Al Muharraq area has witnessed rapid population growth in recent years,' read the proposal. 'This requires the strengthening of educational infrastructure to keep pace with expansion. 'The absence of public schools in the area forces many families to enrol their children in educational institutions outside the area, causing them to go through daily hardship and traffic congestion. 'Establishment of schools in the area will also contribute towards achieving justice in the distribution of educational services between various old and new urban areas.' The proposal stated that investing in education in emerging residential communities enhances the quality of life and encourages family stability in the area. It also claimed that it enhanced the geographical distribution and reduced pressures on existing public schools in neighbouring areas while improving class density. Diyar Al Muharraq already has land that has been earmarked for services, which gives the opportunity to establish educational projects easily. The area already contains a number of private educational institutions, but does not have any public schools. The closest primary and intermediate schools for boys are in Samaheej, while the closest secondary school is in Hidd. As for girls, the closest schools of all levels are in central Muharraq, including the Khadija Al Kubra School, which is the oldest one in the country. Bahrain has recently been investing in opening new public schools and educational institutions across the kingdom. The GDN reported on May 24 that a new technical secondary school for boys could be built in Hamad Town after the Northern Municipal Council unanimously approved a proposal by its services and public utilities committee chairman Abdulla Shareeda Al Thawadi. Copyright 2022 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
29-01-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Proposal on Bahrain's Gulf Air rejected
Bahrain - A proposal to study the possibility of selling part of Bahrain's national carrier, Gulf Air, to private investors with Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company retaining more than 51 per cent has been rejected by MPs. The recommendation by Strategic Thinking Bloc spokesman Khalid Bu Onk was met with strong opposition during yesterday's weekly session of Parliament. The veteran parliamentarian said the aim was to reduce government's financial support for the airline while also restructuring its management and governance to enhance performance and profitability. 'The primary motivation behind the proposal is to alleviate the financial burden Gulf Air imposes on the state's general budget,' said Mr Bu Onk. 'Reducing subsidies to Gulf Air will allow the government to allocate resources more efficiently, ensuring better utilisation of public funds,' he added. 'The sale of a minority stake would create an opportunity to reform the company's board of directors and restructure its executive management. 'Changes are crucial for transforming Gulf Air into a more dynamic, future-ready organisation.' Mr Bu Onk said that by involving private investors, Gulf Air could benefit from enhanced efficiency, improved performance and increased profitability. 'Private sector involvement tends to drive innovation and operational excellence, and this would ensure that Gulf Air remained competitive on a global scale. 'The initiative would contribute to the broader development of Bahrain's economy, fostering growth for both Gulf Air and its subsidiaries. 'This is not just about Gulf Air, it's about creating ripple effects that stimulate the entire aviation sector and related industries in the country.' However, Taqadumi bloc member Dr Mahdi Al Shuwaikh termed the proposal 'absurd'. 'All airlines in the region are state-owned for the obvious reason that they propel other vital sectors with no regard to loss or profitability,' he explained. 'If 49pc is sold to investors, then they will certainly want a say in how the airline is managed, even if Mumtalakat continues to own the majority shares. 'What if the private investors demands sacking Bahraini employees to reduce costs and increase profits? That's possible as they will have a say in how the airline should be run. 'What if investors decide to pull out at a certain point, who will take up their shares and what if no other investors are interested?' Dr Al Shuwaikh said MPs should focus on reducing losses through a comprehensive plan or approach, not sale. 'The plan should include profitable destinations, entering new markets and revolutionising services.' * Separately, a proposal to tighten checks on violations by motorbike delivery riders and enforce health standards for food delivery boxes was postponed. The proposal by Strategic Thinking Bloc member Dr Mariam Al Dhaen aims to address the increasing traffic violations by some motorcycle delivery riders and to establish stricter health standards for the food delivery boxes attached to these motorcycles. The proposal, unanimously endorsed by Parliament's foreign affairs, defence and national security committee, chaired by Hassan Bukhammas, seeks to enhance road safety and ensure proper handling of food being transported to the public. Talks on the proposal was postponed as Dr Al Dhaen has been admitted to hospital for an undisclosed condition.
