MANAMA: The Kingdom of Bahrain’s robust health services have helped the Kingdom to effectively combat COVID-19.
This came as His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa chaired the regular weekly Cabinet session, attended by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier.
HRH Premier affirmed that His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s directives have supported the government’s efforts in dealing with the exceptional circumstances and challenges resulting from the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
HRH Premier also commended the efforts made by HRH the Crown Prince to take pre-emptive measures that have strengthened the kingdom’s ability to deal with those circumstances, Cabinet Secretary-General, Dr. Yasser bin Isa Al-Nasser, said in a statement following the session which was held via the video conferencing technology.
HRH the Prime Minister followed up on the progress of the implementation of the service projects aimed at meeting the citizens’ needs, noting that the current challenges have proved the government’s success in putting in place a robust development infrastructure, especially in the health sector, which has consolidated the kingdom’s ability to deal with exceptional circumstances created by COVID-19.
HRH Premier lauded the Bahraini people’s high awareness and positive response to the requirements set by the government to deal with the pandemic.
The Prime Minister gave directives to study the environmental situation in the Ma’ameer area and check the levels of air quality in it and the surrounding areas.
In this regard, HRH Premier tasked the Ministry of Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning and the Ministry of Oil to coordinate with the Ministerial Committee for Development and Infrastructure Projects in verifying the compliance and adherence to the standards and requirements imposed by the government to reduce pollution in factories and industrial facilities, and ensuring that they are within the limits of global safe levels. They were also requested to submit the necessary suggestions and recommendations to reduce the effects of any industrial pollution that may put the safety and health of the citizens and residents at risk.
The Premier also gave directives to expedite the completion of the Ma’ameer Canal expansion project to ensure improved water flow in Tubli Bay, given its positive implications for the region.
Marking the World Environment Day, HRH the Prime Minister reiterated the government’s keenness to protect the environment, enhance awareness of it, preserve environmental and biological diversity and consolidate its sustainability.
HRH Premier requested the Ministry of Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning to study the revamp of roads in some of Karzakan blocks.
The Minister of Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning was asked to visit Karzakan and determine the needs of its villagers on the ground.
The session discussed a draft decree- law on amending the Law of Associations, Social and Cultural Clubs, Special Committees Working in the Field of Youth and Sports and Private Institutions, which allows the establishment of new corporate-like clubs or turning the clubs subject to the current law into corporate entities.
The minister in charge shall issue an edict determining the form of the new entities and regulating their work.
The cabinet endorsed a draft decree-law on adding a new article (62 bis) to the Law of Associations, Social and Cultural Clubs, Special Committees Working in the Field of Youth and Sports and Private Institutions promulgated by Law 21/1989, as recommended by the Ministerial Committee for Legal and Legislative Affairs, and highlighted in the memorandum presented by the Deputy Premier and committee chairman.
The cabinet discussed a draft edict submitted by the Defence Affairs Ministry regulating the use of distinctive emblems and identity cards for protection in times of peace and war, as stipulated in the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their Additional Protocols.
Highlighted in the memoranda presented by the Deputy Premier and Ministerial Committee for Legal and Legislative Affairs Chairman, and the Defence Affairs Minister, the bill was referred to the Ministerial Committee for Legal and Legislative Affairs.
The session approved a draft resolution amending Edict 5/2010 on municipal fees.
The new bill will include fees on construction and insurance permits for the green belt buildings segment, areas of special nature, both the residential and investment categories, housing projects areas, areas of services projects and public utilities, and areas of investment buildings (E).
The bill was outlined in the presentation made in this regard by the Minister of Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning.
The session endorsed a draft-law on amending Law 24/1976 promulgating the Social Insurance Law.
Under the bill, drafted based on a proposal submitted by the Council of Representatives, members of the employers’ family, who work with them, will be covered by social insurance.
The draft-law was referred to the Council of Representatives, along with a memorandum explaining the government’s opinion on it.
Banning import of shoddy electrical goods: The session approved a proposal submitted by the Council of Representatives, urging the Industry, Commerce and Tourism Ministry to ban the importation of shoddy or bad-quality electrical goods. The same ministry was requested to ban the entry of those devices unless their importers show certificates issued by credible and authorised entities.
The cabinet approved a proposal submitted by the Council of Representatives on addressing the spread of collective accommodation of expatriate workers in the neighbourhoods of the citizens. It also endorsed another proposal on finding a solution to the problem of expatriate bachelors across the country, in general, and the Southern Governorate, in particular.
The competent authorities were requested to implement the provisions of the two proposals, in accordance with the laws and regulations in force.
The cabinet approved the government’s draft reply to a proposal submitted by the Representatives Council on exempting citizens and their wives who have become real estate owners through inheritance, or those who have benefited from a housing unit through one of the existing housing financing methods, from the ownership condition in order to be entitled to receive housing services.
The cabinet approved a proposal submitted by the Council of Representatives on the housing allowance.
The session was briefed by the Health Minister on the results of the kingdom’s participation in the virtual 73rd World Health Assembly, which was held recently.
