Achievements reviewed, Remarkable progress in major fields

Manama :  The Kingdom of Bahrain has taken huge steps forward in the fields of infrastructure, economy, healthcare, education and environment development during the past four decades, Deputy Prime Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa said during the Government Forum yesterday.
Addressing the audience, Shaikh Khalid, who’s also Bahrain’s Mumtalakat Holding Company and Gulf Air Board of Directors Chairman, spoke about the phase when he was previously heading several senior posts in the government such as housing, municipalities, environment and infrastructure.
The Deputy Premier recalled the humble services that were available in Bahrain during the past few decades, noting the times when Muharraq and the main island were only connected by a one-lane bridge. “Both islands are now connected by three modern bridges and awaits a fourth one. It shows the huge infrastructural development achieved by the Kingdom,” he pointed out.
According to Shaikh Khalid, nowadays, most areas in Bahrain are connected through comprehensive and modern service networks.
Commenting on future projects, Shaikh Khalid, who also heads the Reconstruction and Infrastructure, and the Financial Affairs and Rationalising Expenditure Ministerial Committees, said, “There is a set of new infrastructural projects that are currently in progress. They are expected to be completed soon, including the Bahrain International Airport expansion project, construction of a new highway connecting the northern parts of the island with the newly built Northern City and the King Hamad Causeway, which is the second causeway to connect Bahrain and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.” “These projects are the fruit of comprehensive governmental cooperation that combine the efforts of all ministries and authorities.”
“Our next challenge is to overcome the plunge of oil prices, which are lower than our expectations by at least two thirds. But this should not stop our developmental march. It actually brought our attention to other fruitful fields, such as investing in the private sector, which forms US$15 million worth of investments. There are joint projects between both the public and private sectors that are worth US$10m,” he elaborated.
“It’s important for us to maintain the gains and developments achieved, and not to only construct new projects. Existing facilities should be protected and well utilised,” the Deputy Prime Minister reminded. Shaikh Khalid’s statements came as part of the open talk sessions held at the forum. He was speaking on the topic “Economic Sustainability and Advancing Infrastructure.”