The successful completion of strategic infrastructure projects has elevated Bahrain status as one of the most dynamic and well diversified economy in the region, a senior Government official said.
“As the HRH the Prime Minister said, the continuous drive to promote infrastructure development reflects Bahrain’s robust economy and its capacity to cope with global fluctuations and withstand challenges. The Ministry of Works will remain committed to achieve the national goals,” Essam Bin Abdulla Khalaf, Minister of Works told the audience of the Project Management Institute-Arabian Gulf Chapter, 13th International Conference, which concludes tomorrow (27th).
The four-day event focuses on “Delivering Value and Productivity through Project Management, highlighting lessons learned from the “Boom and Bust Cycles” is being held under the patronage of the HRH Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa.
“The global financial crisis has had a relatively muted impact on Middle Eastern Sovereign credit worthiness overall. But the legacy of the crisis will be felt in subdued lending growth for a prolonged period, making recovery more dependent on government infrastructure programmes,” the Minister said.
“Investing in infrastructure is essential to ensure sustained development, which is in line with His Majesty King Hamed Bin Isa Al Khalifa’s vision for the future of Bahrain. The Economic Vision 2030 aims to elevate Bahrain’s standing regionally and internationally and deliver a higher standard of living to all Bahrain residents. Economic Vision 2030 stresses the need to promote competitiveness, achieve sustainability and foster justice. Its formulation, under the steady supervision of HRH Prince Salman bin Hamed Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Chairman of the Economic Development Board, and subsequent promulgation by His Majesty King Hamed Bin Isa Al Khalifa in 2008 came at a pivotal time for the country.
There was a need to structure the economy for the long term, to ensure it succeeds and thrives in times of crises,” he added.
“These projects enhance Bahrain’s reputation as a pioneering business hub, and tourist destination. There are currently many major projects under completion that will significantly contribute to the economy of Bahrain,” he said.
“The Ministry of Works has successively used its resources to speed up development of the nation by delivering vital projects on time and on budget. The Ministry, as the construction arm of the government, has two pivotal roles to play in enabling the Economic Vision for 2030. Firstly, service to the public through the provision of a physical infrastructure that improves the quality of life for all who live in Bahrain. Secondly, aligning the infrastructure to facilitate and stimulate economic progress. The Ministry of Works Vision statement declares it to be a dynamic, leading professional organisation that builds public infrastructure for the betterment of Bahrain. It is a high performance, project management based organisation whose use of strategic management, best practice and innovative technologies make it a leader in its field and enable it to provide integral support to the Bahrain Government’s 2030 Vision,” he said.
“We have completed a multitude of large scale road, sanitary engineering and strategic projects supporting the development of Bahrain’s infrastructure and economic diversification. Plans include multi-million dinar initiatives such as the Bahrain North Shore infrastructure development with the upgrade of the King Faisal Highway and the development of the North Manama Causeway project, connecting Bahrain Bay with the al Fateh Highway. Another major project is the Mina Salman Interchange,” he said.
“Along with the upgrade of the King Faisal Highway, there is a plan to landscape the entire area around the Corniche at the Bahrain Financial Harbour, which will be complemented by additional pedestrian safety measures and access to the Corniche. Completed projects include improvements on the other main east-west corridor linking Khalifa bin Salman Port with the King Fahad Causeway, the Bahrain Map flyover and Sitra Bridge and Umm al Hassam Interchange,” he said.
“Furthermore, the Ministry oversaw infrastructure works for iconic structures such as the Khalifa Bin Salman Port, completed last year as a platform to propel Bahrain forward to becoming a trans-shipment hub to the Northern Gulf, handling 90% of Bahrain’s imports and exports,” he said.
“We expect amongst other projects to complete the Isa Town Interchange and the tunnel will be opened in May and the flyover by September this year,” he said.
“The Ministry of Works is responsible for a momentous decade of infrastructure improvements that have changed Bahrain’s landscape. Our continued success is firmly linked to our close alignment with the best-in-class Project Management skills and techniques.”
“We share the ultimate goal of contributing to a framework that delivers effective mechanisms for the provision of public services by utilizing resources in the most effective and efficient way while optimizing return on investment,” the Minister added.