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FOCUS ON HEALTH, SCHOOL, HOUSING

Bahrain readies grand 2030 masterplan

Manama, April 12, 2014

By Mohammed Al A'ali

Bahrain's detailed Master Plan 2030 outlining the country's future development has been completed, revealed Municipalities and Urban Planning Affairs Minister Dr Juma Al Ka'abi.

He has told parliament in a written response that it will be presented during Tuesday's session and that the Central Governorate's blueprints had been approved, while maps for the four other governorates had been drafted but were still being studied, reported the Gulf Daily News, our sister publication.

 Dr Al Ka'abi said that consultant Atkins, which was hired after the general plan was approved in 2008 by His Majesty King Hamad, would be called to discuss the final maps soon.

"The Central Governorate's blueprints are perfect with the health, education, housing and entertainment (parks, beaches and gardens) being outlined as locations and in requirements," he said.

"We have completed final drafts for the other governorates, but believe there are some issues relating to their future capacity, population density and social and economic changes, so we will have them approved soon when slight amendments are carried out."

He said studies presented to the ministry show that four islands - Hawar, Mashtan, Umm Juleid and Jarradah - must be protected.

"There will be future reclamation in the sea that would be divided between investment and government housing projects, industries and for tourism," he said.

"The master plan doesn't separate tourist locations from those earmarked as residential because most are interlinked and can't be separated like the A'ali Burial Mounds, Barbar Temple and Muharraq heritage homes.

"Malls and new reclaimed islands are considered attractions and most are nearby homes and can't be moved elsewhere.

"Our concept in the detailed master plan is integration in organisation with modernisation and urbanisation, not damaging our social fabric or environment," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
 




Tags: Bahrain | Housing | education | Masterplan |

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