Latest news with #MunicipalitiesAffairsandAgricultureMinistry
Zawya
21-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Bahrain: IT infrastructure accord signed
Bahrain - The Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Batelco, a Beyon company, during the Bahrain Smart Cities Summit 2025. The agreement aims to develop, evaluate, and implement solutions to enhance digital infrastructure in connectivity, voice communication, smart security, and digital signage. Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister Wael Al Mubarak said the MoU supports co-operation in developing comprehensive digital infrastructure and enhancing co-ordination in communication and voice systems. He noted that Batelco will provide technical expertise and innovative solutions to improve the ministry's connectivity and voice systems. Municipal Affairs Under-Secretary Shaikh Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Khalifa said the agreement will focus efforts on delivering technical expertise and innovative solutions, along with assessments and recommendations for communication system improvements. He praised Batelco's role in supporting sustainable development and enhancing digital chief executive Muna Al Hashemi said the company seeks to strengthen co-operation in digital infrastructure and explore new opportunities in related systems and technologies. General manager of Batelco's Enterprise Abdulla Danesh said the company will provide advanced digital solutions, including communication and voice services, to enhance the ministry's operations and municipal service quality. He said Batelco will also offer technical support and smart city infrastructure solutions. Copyright 2022 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
13-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Major urban development projects planned for Bahrain's capital
Bahrain - A series of initiatives aiming to elevate the urban environment and improve public spaces across Bahrain's capital are set to be unveiled in the coming two years. The multi-million dinar projects include park and waterfront enhancements, street beautification, intersection upgrades and market renovations. Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry projects director Mohammed Ali revealed the ambitious plans during yesterday's Capital Trustees Board meeting at the Capital Trustees Authority in Manama. Mr Ali highlighted the strategic vision behind these initiatives. 'Our goal is to enhance the quality of life in the capital by providing sustainable urban environments and modern facilities that meet the needs of residents and visitors alike,' he said. 'The ministry is expediting the execution of essential projects such as public parks and street beautification while ensuring environmentally sustainable solutions. Designs for public park (2) in the East Sitra Housing Town 'The ministry's ambitious development plan underscores Bahrain's commitment to urban modernisation and sustainable growth, aligning with the country's Vision 2030. 'As these projects move forward, they promise to transform the capital into a more liveable, green and aesthetically pleasing urban space, benefiting both residents and visitors alike.' During the meeting, specific details including costs and progress reports were placed on the table. It was also revealed that a site originally earmarked for the once-popular Flea Market, which has been closed since 2020, has now been taken for a green nursery project. Mr Ali, centre, at the meeting Mr Ali described one of the flagship projects as the King Faisal Corniche Development, spanning 70,800sqm along a 1,400-metre stretch. 'This project features a pedestrian walkway, sports courts, play areas and extensive green spaces, making it a prime recreational destination,' he added. 'With a total budget of BD4.96 million, the project has reached a 10 per cent completion rate. 'This project will serve as a premier waterfront destination, offering a balanced mix of recreation, sports and relaxation, ultimately enhancing Bahrain's attractiveness as a tourist hub.' He added that another significant initiative involves Adliya's Block 338 Greening Project, designed to enhance the urban landscape with climbing plants, shaded areas and 2,500sqm of green space. 'The project, valued at BD250,000, has already seen contract signing and an initial 2pc progress rate.' Mr Ali said the Eco-Walk Park in Zinj, Bahrain's first-of-its-kind pedestrian-friendly initiative, is amongst the most innovative. Artist impressions for the Eco-Walk in Zinj 'This 17,343sqm development includes an indoor multi-level walking path, commercial outlets, relaxation areas and parking facilities,' he added. 'The project, with a BD3m budget, has moved forward with contract signing.' He described work at the Shaikh Isa Bin Salman Intersection Beautification in Salmabad, as a 'key infrastructure improvement project' where detailed designs have been completed, pending financial approvals. 'This initiative aims to introduce lush green spaces and ornamental trees to enhance the visual appeal of the area,' he explained. 'The project has an allocated budget of BD600,000.' Bahrain Bay bridge development Mr Ali said another major undertaking is the Bahrain Bay Bridge enhancement, which focuses on greening the area beneath the bridge with carefully selected trees and shrubs. 'The BD800,000 project is awaiting financial approvals before implementation begins.' Mr Ali said the 'Old Manama Souq Development – Phase Two' seeks to unify the market's storefront designs while preserving its historic character. 'With a budget of BD1.85m, work is currently underway on detailed architectural drawings,' he remarked. The Old Manama Souq revamp plans 'Also, we have plans to remodel the Sitra Central Market for BD200,000. Traditional markets are an essential part of our history and economy, and our efforts are focused on ensuring they remain vibrant and relevant while maintaining their historic identity.' Meanwhile, Mr Ali pointed out that the Tubli Walkway Expansion – Phase Two will extend the existing pathway by 450m, incorporating family seating areas, green landscapes and public facilities such as restrooms. 'With a BD1.06m budget, the project's detailed designs have been completed and financial approvals are being processed,' he added. Mr Ali said a budget of BD347,875 has been allocated for two public parks covering around 4,200sqm in the new East Sitra Housing Town with 35pc of the work being complete. 'Also, a 711sqm public park is earmarked for Naim in Old Manama at a cost of BD64,320,' he said. 'Designs for a 3,612m square green nursery would be ready by the second quarter of 2025 in the place of the site originally proposed for the Flea Market in Tubli.' Mr Ali revealed that free renovations and expansions have been carried on 12 out of 27 needy families' homes in the governorate. He added that two have been just issued for tendering with the remaining 13 awaiting financing. Copyright 2022 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
11-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Bahrain: Ministry issues 6,550 building permits in 2024
Bahrain - The Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry issued around 6,550 building permits in 2024, reflecting Bahrain's rapid urban growth. According to Municipalities Affairs Under-Secretary Shaikh Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, the Benayat (buildings) system has significantly streamlined permit issuance, enhancing efficiency and accelerating approval processes. Of the total permits issued, 1,780 were processed through Benayat with an average approval time of two working days. Residential building permits accounted for 70 per cent of approvals, while investment apartment buildings made up 4.4pc, and special use projects comprised 22.3pc. Continuous updates to Benayat have introduced 11 new services, including permits for large and small-scale additions, phased approvals for government projects, communication tower permits, renewal and demolition approvals, and phased construction approvals for specific projects. Further enhancements are planned for marine and land reclamation permits, subdivision permits, renovation permits, fencing permits, land use change permits, and consolidation permits. Improvements will also be introduced to initial construction phase approvals for other permits and the reclamation inspection service. Shaikh Mohammed noted that the ministry is committed to digitalising all municipal services, ensuring faster, more efficient processing while enhancing user accessibility. Benayat serves as the central platform for issuing construction permits for investment, residential, industrial and commercial projects. It enables licensed engineering offices to apply for permits, track applications, access government advisory services, pay fees, and review building regulations through an interactive map displaying zoning requirements for each plot in the kingdom. Copyright 2022 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
30-01-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Bahrain: Building permits ‘being issued in 2.08 working days'
Bahrain - Building permits for investment, residential, industrial and commercial purposes are being issued online within an average of 2.08 working days, according to a top official. Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry building permits head Najma Hassan revealed at the Capital Trustees Board meeting yesterday that 1,533 building permits were issued through the Benayat portal last year. The Northern Municipality topped the number of requests (578), followed by the Southern Municipality (438), Muharraq Municipality (296) and Capital Trustees Authority (221), covering a total area of 1.728 million square metres. The permit issuance time has dropped from 2.2 days in 2023, pointed out Ms Hassan. The portal allows applicants to obtain all necessary information to prepare drawings and documents required to apply for a building permit. The system enables engineering offices licensed in Bahrain to apply, check on the status of applications, obtain consultations from government bodies concerned, pay fees, as well as apply for other related services. It comes through an interactive map that provides key information for land parcels and by centralising all relevant regulations and requirements. Talks are underway to allow remodelling, renovation and repair permissions to be issued through Benayat by the end of the year, which will mean that all municipal services could be easily obtained online through one system. Ms Hassan added that the maximum time for issuing permits still stands at five days for the most complex of cases.'For requests that require prior approvals, the 54 we received were all addressed within the deadline,' she said. 'The 13 complex cases were all resolved within the five-day deadline.'A total of 427 permit requests were addressed within a day, 639 in two, 377 in three, 85 in four and five in five days. 'Seventy per cent were for residential purposes, 4.4pc investment buildings, 1.5pc industrial projects, 0.3pc agriculture plots, 1.5pc services and public utilities and 22.3pc special or recreational projects.'Payments for permits were all made within the 10-day deadline,' said Ms Hassan. Copyright 2022 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
