Page 701 - PERSIAN 8 1931_1940_Neat

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Supervision of all markets is said to continue, but filth is much in evidence in
the streets and complaints from residents have been received.
(b) Muharraq and Ilcdd— Extensive repairs were done to roads, artesian
wells and water places. The road from Customs to His Highness’ house was
widened and the Sea Road was extended as far as the school.
9. Customs*—The Customs revenue amounted to Rs. 8,91,721, as compared
with Rs. 10,56,532 during 1939.
10. Public Works.—(a) The following important public works were completed
during the year :—
The State Hospital (for Men and for Women) and staff quarters.
Fort tower and main wall.
Muharraq Sea Road Extension (Municipal).
Police Post at Jaw.
(b) The following works were commenced during the year but not completed :—
New Technical School.
Government Hospital, Administration Block (surgery, etc.).
The Manamah—Muharraq bridge.
11. Electric Department.—The load showed a steady increase till November
1940, when it was curtailed owing to lighting restrictions imposed on the whole of
Bahrain under the Defence Regulations.
Revenue from the sale of Electricity amounted to Rs. 1,25,000 as compared
with Rs. 1,19,000 in 1939.
Additions were also made in the Electric Department. A new high-tension
sub-station, complete with 50 K. W. transformer and switch gear, was erected
at the Naval Base, Jufair, at the expense of the Admiralty, while at Muharraq, a
low-tension overhead line was run along the new sea road extension for lighting
and general supply purposes.
The wiring of houses by local contractors continued. Thirty five air con­
ditioned units were in public service during the summer of 1940.
The number of telephone subscribers on the 31st December was 87 as compared
with 80 on the 31st December 1939.
The total revenue of this department was Rs. 1,81,648 and the total expenditure
Rs. 1,64,683. Out of this Rs. 64,844 was spent on establishment charges, a large
figure for such a small undertaking. Accounts do not appear to be properly kept
in this Department.
Charges for electricity are much too high and there is general discontent with
the whole state of affairs.
(See paragraph 11 of last year’s report.)
12. Pearling Industry.—The 1940 summer season was poor. The catch was
small and the pearl business was almost at a standstill. The depression in the
pearl industry was to a slgiht extent offset by the Government’s building work,
which gave employment to stone cutters and boatmen.
The advances made during 1940 were an increase of Rs. 5 on the previous
year. They were as follows :—
Drivers. Pullers.
Rs. Rs.
Teaquam .. 25 20
Salaf 25 20
Kharjiek .. 20 20