Page 205 - Bahrain Gov Annual Reports (II)_Neat

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Lighting of the Port. The past year brought an increased use of the Sitrah
anchorage, which was developed for the use of the tankships loading the exports of
the Bahrain Petroluem Coy. Ltd., and for the warships of H. B. M’s lloyal Navy
Base at Jufair.
In addition it has now become the regular anchorage of the steamers of the
Strick Lino and the Hansa Line which visit this port; hut the steamers of the
B. I. S. N. Coy. Ltd., and the Mitsui and Yamashita Lines still prefer to use the
Manaraah anchorage as it is more convenient, except when a high shumal is raging.
In addition to the shallowness of the shore approaches at Sitrah. the channel itself
was ill-lit; and consequently night-work was dillicult. This dilliculty has now been
overcome by the construction of fixed light beacons on both sides of the channel, so
that now, with the beacons and buoys previously established, this anchorage may bo
regarded as practically satisfactory.
At the Manamah anchorage, it is satisfactory to report that, after many'
years, the Persian Gulf Lighting Authority have replaced the dumb buoy at the
West Spit near the Fesht al Yarim with a white Hash-light; and the value of this
service is undeniable, since the West Spit Buoy light, and the Gray Paul beacon
light and the Customs (Manamah) Pier Light are all in transit. To complete the
lighting scheme of this anchorage, there is needed a Hash-light on the North-East
bastion of the Portuguese Fort, which would enable steamers to make a bearing while
in range of the Outer Light-ship, in conjunction with the Manama Pier Light, and
the Muharraq Pier Light, which, nowadays, is very dillicult to do.
In this connection it is well to recall that the Manamah Pier Light is rated
in the Admiralty Sailing Directions as “an occasional light, lighted upon request”.
Although a request is never received, it has been the practice to show this light when­
ever a steamer is expected or is lying in port. The light consists of two 250-watt
lamps whose current is supplied by the Electrical Department, and its cost is borne
by the Customs.
Owing to steamers' visits being now more frequent, the cost of this light has
increased—thus:
Manamah Pier Lights. Year 1353 ... Rs.- 723 8 0
Year 1354 776 8 0
Year 1355 1,008 8 0
Year 1356 1,283 8 0
Year 1357 1,336 0 0

Total for live years Rs. 5,218 0 0
This is very expensive, the explanation being the price of the current supplied,
namely eight annas per unit, that is, the same cost for outdoor public lighting as for
indoor private lighting.
Since no light dues are charged to steamers using the port, it is questionable
whether the Customs Department can afford to bear this expense, and maintain tho
service, which is desireable, unless the rate is reduced.
The lighting expenses incurred by this Department during the year 1357,
including the cost of lamps, kerosene, and servicos of electricians for adjustments
amounted to:—
Office ... Rs. 706 0 0
Ware-houses 204 0 0
Manamah & 1,705 0 0
Muharraq Pier6 )
Khore Light 125 0 0

Total Rs. 2,830 0 0
Even at the above expense, the Manama Pier System is not adequately lit;
and for this reason, for the future, 1 propose tho installation of the “ Osira” system
recently perfected for public lighting by the Gonoral Electric Company which,
although the initial installations are somewhat moro expensive than the old-fashioned
material now in use, promises more illumination with less consumption of current.