Work on a major housing project in Bahrain’s Northern Town will start next month. The first batch of 500 units will be built as part of the multi-phased scheme, which includes 3,000 homes.

HRH Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa yesterday (April 1) issued directives in this regard as he chaired the weekly Cabinet meeting at Gudaibiya Palace.

He instructed authorities to step up work on housing, municipal, road-network and infrastructure projects directly linked to citizens' daily lives.

Ministries and government departments were also asked to follow up the execution of the schemes and submit progress reports to the Cabinet.

The session was briefed on progress of work on avenues, flyovers and tunnels across Bahrain.

The capacity of the highly-strategic King Faisal Highway will be boosted by 50 per cent.

The six-lane traffic artery is being enlarged and transformed into a 10-lane one, capable of accommodating more traffic and ensuring the smooth flow of vehicles.

Progress

The session was also briefed on progress of work on the vital Mina Salman Junction.

HRH the Premier directed the ministries of Interior and Works to co-ordinate efforts to alleviate road congestion near the junction and agree defined timings to ensure the smooth passage of heavy trucks.

The session also reviewed progress of work on sewerage networks and sub-stations across Bahrain.

Two multi-million agreements were approved to finance water distribution projects.

The Cabinet gave the go-ahead for the deals to be ratified.

The first loan guarantee deal was signed with the Kuwaiti Fund for Arab Economic Development for 26.2 million Kuwati dinars (BD35.5 million). The second was sealed with the Islamic Bank for $191 million.

HRH the Premier issued orders to upgrade humanitarian care centres and shelter homes. People who lost their livelihoods due to accidents, including fires, could soon receive compensation.

The session discussed a plan to grant affected people urgent financial aid. – TradeArabia News Service