Latest news with #MinistryofMunicipalitiesandAgriculture
Daily Tribune
09-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Shared housing without safety checks faces power cuts and lease bans
Shared housing without safety clearance faces power cuts and cancelled contracts, under rules now in force across Bahrain. Decision No. 1 of 2023, issued by the Ministry of Municipalities and Agriculture, sets out terms for registering group housing leases in all four governorates. It follows changes to the Real Estate Rent Law passed in 2020. Under the framework, landlords must present a structural safety certificate from a licensed engineering office before a lease can be accepted. If a property falls short of the conditions, municipal authorities may call for electricity and water to be cut, and the lease struck off. Scope Minister, His Excellency Wael Al Mubarak, said the move gives local councils wider scope to act against crowded labour lodgings and crumbling bachelor flats. In a written reply to MP Mohammed Mousa, he pointed to the risks posed by buildings that were neither registered nor fit for use. He added that the rules cover wiring, fire exits and the soundness of the structure. Cases may also be referred to court, while unlicensed blocks can have their power supply cut altogether. In one part of the Southern Governorate alone, inspectors recorded 84 violations across 2023 and 2024. Common breaches included unsafe storage of gas cylinders, makeshift wiring, subletting, and buildings teetering on collapse. Regular checks The Southern Municipality is carrying out regular checks in coordination with the governorate, the Electricity and Water Authority (EWA), the Ministries of Health and Interior, and elected councillors. The focus is on identifying rented spaces housing workers without a licence and bringing them into line with the rules.
Daily Tribune
31-03-2025
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain's Parks and Public Spaces Ready for Eid Al-Fitr with New Upgrades
The Ministry of Municipalities and Agriculture has fully prepared to welcome both citizens and residents during the upcoming Eid Al-Fitr holiday by upgrading parks, walkways, recreational areas, coastlines, and waterfronts. These areas, which see a significant influx of visitors during the holiday season, have undergone routine maintenance to ensure the best possible experience for all visitors. The Kingdom of Bahrain's parks offer a variety of attractions that make them a preferred destination for visitors. These include lush greenery, open spaces, playgrounds, and sports tracks. Additionally, the parks have been equipped with special facilities to accommodate individuals with disabilities, including dedicated cycling paths and various fitness equipment. The ministry, represented by the Capital Secretariat and the three municipalities (Muharraq Municipality, Northern Governorate Municipality, and Southern Governorate Municipality), has placed great emphasis on these parks. Several new parks and walkways have been created and inaugurated, alongside the renovation and upkeep of existing parks and the development of public facilities. The ministry also ensures the addition of new recreational and service locations each year, contributing to a continuously refreshed entertainment environment for all. In terms of services, there are over 200 parks, walkways, and coastal areas spread across the Kingdom, catering to the needs of both citizens and residents. The ministry prioritizes the establishment of neighborhood parks in residential areas for easy access. Among these is the Barbar Park, known for its scenic seaside view and high-end facilities, and the Hamad City 1209 Walkway, which stretches 1.4 kilometers along Sheikh Hamad Street, covering an area of around 15,000 square meters. Other neighborhood parks include the Sind Park in Block 743, spanning 2,200 square meters and located amidst homes for easy access, and the Saar Park in Block 525, an important addition to the public facilities in the Northern Governorate, with an area exceeding 3,000 square meters. The park and recreational projects implemented by the Ministry of Municipalities and Agriculture align with the strategic plan to achieve sustainable development goals. The ministry focuses on enhancing aesthetic values and providing recreational spaces that meet the needs of families and individuals across various regions of the Kingdom. As a result, these parks have become popular destinations during holidays. Notable parks include the Water Garden, the Grand Muharraq Park, Prince Khalifa Park, and other major projects that significantly enrich the Kingdom's landscape. Additionally, projects that help preserve heritage include Ain Riya Park, which revitalizes the historic Ain Riya site to maintain its cultural and architectural value. Other heritage parks include Ain An Guayfa Park, Riffa Park, and Ain Al-Hannaniya Park in the Southern Governorate, known for their unique designs, extensive greenery, and wide lawns. The Ministry of Municipalities and Agriculture has invited both citizens and residents to enjoy the festive atmosphere of Eid Al-Fitr in the parks and recreational areas across Bahrain's various governorates. The ministry reiterated its commitment to continuing efforts to provide a comfortable and enjoyable environment for all, while preserving the aesthetic beauty of public spaces to ensure a memorable experience for all visitors.
Daily Tribune
03-03-2025
- General
- Daily Tribune
Ministry of Municipalities and Agriculture Calls on Groundwater Well Owners to Update Their Data and Replace Existing Meters with Electromagnetic Meters
The Ministry of Municipalities and Agriculture has called on all owners of groundwater wells, including individuals and public and private institutions in the Kingdom of Bahrain, to update their data and replace their current water meters with electromagnetic meters equipped with General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) technology. These meters are approved by the Department of Local Agricultural Production and aim to regulate groundwater resources and protect them from depletion. In this regard, Engineer Asim Abdul Latif Abdullah, Undersecretary for Agriculture and Livestock Affairs at the Ministry of Municipalities and Agriculture, emphasized the continued efforts to improve water management efficiency and enhance the use of water resources to ensure their sustainability. He stated that the update of groundwater well data and the replacement of current meters is aimed at ensuring up-to-date information to strengthen communication between the ministry and well owners. It will also secure high accuracy in measuring water consumption and provide real-time and comprehensive data. Moreover, this initiative supports compliance with laws regulating water usage to ensure the sustainable use of resources. The Undersecretary for Agriculture and Livestock Affairs urged all groundwater well owners to update their data by visiting the ministry's website at or by visiting the Agricultural Production Department in Hoorat Ali before Sunday, June 1, 2025. Additionally, they must replace their current water meters with electromagnetic meters equipped with GPRS technology, approved by the Department of Local Agricultural Production, no later than Monday, September 1, 2025. These electromagnetic meters, which are equipped with GPRS, offer high accuracy in measuring water consumption, as well as the ability to provide real-time and comprehensive data that will contribute to the efficient management of water resources.
Daily Tribune
24-02-2025
- Politics
- Daily Tribune
Ministry of Municipalities and Agriculture Wins First Place at the Bahrain International Garden Exhibition 2025
Minister Al-Mubarak highlighted the significance of the Bahrain International Garden Exhibition in supporting efforts to enhance food security and develop the green cover in the Kingdom of Bahrain. He emphasized the ministry's commitment to this sector to achieve the desired goals and aspirations. Additionally, the ministry honored Her Excellency Shaikha Maram bint Isa Al Khalifa, Secretary-General of the National Initiative for Agricultural Development, who presented the award to Engineer Abbas Abdullah Hussein Arafa, Director of the Plant Cover Department at the Ministry of Municipalities and Agriculture.
Daily Tribune
08-02-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain's Accelerated Urban Growth Boosted by "Baniyat" System
The Kingdom of Bahrain is experiencing rapid urban development, as evidenced by the increasing number of various building permits issued for residential, investment, industrial, commercial, and other types of projects. Engineer Sheikh Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Undersecretary for Municipal Affairs at the Ministry of Municipalities and Agriculture, highlighted the pivotal role played by the "Baniyat" system in streamlining procedures and accelerating the issuance of permits. This system has notably improved the pace of progress, further encouraging investment opportunities within the kingdom. Al Khalifa explained that the introduction of the unified building regulations guide and the re-engineering of procedures, alongside the development of an electronic system, have significantly simplified the process of obtaining building permits. These efforts have led to permits being issued in a much shorter time frame. In 2024, the Ministry issued approximately 6,550 building permits, with nearly 1,780 permits processed through the "Baniyat" system. On average, these permits were issued within just two working days. Residential building permits accounted for the largest share, around 70%, followed by investment buildings at 4.4%, and permits for projects of special nature at 22.3%. Al Khalifa further noted that the "Baniyat" system undergoes continuous updates, with 11 new services introduced in the past year. These updates included large and small addition permits, as well as services for starting construction for both types of additions. Other services included the approval of government project permits, tower construction permits, permit renewals, demolition permits, and review services for communication towers. Looking ahead, the Ministry plans to introduce improvements to various permits, including those for marine reclamation, land reclamation, partitioning, renovation, fencing, change of use, and merging permits, along with the construction start phase for other types of permits and reclamation review services. Al Khalifa emphasized that the system also features a range of electronic links designed to facilitate user access. The Ministry is committed to enhancing its communication services and ensuring that feedback and suggestions are easily received by the relevant departments, in line with the ongoing plan to transition all Ministry services to electronic platforms, guaranteeing efficiency and high-quality outcomes. It is important to note that the "Baniyat" system is responsible for issuing building permits for all types of projects in Bahrain, including investment, residential, industrial, commercial, and more. The system allows licensed engineering offices in Bahrain to submit building permit applications, inquire about application statuses, access consulting services from relevant government authorities, pay permit fees, and apply for other related building services. It also aids applicants in preparing the necessary documentation, drawings, and maps by providing access to building regulations and the Kingdom's interactive map, which outlines the specific requirements for each property.
