Page 268 - Bahrain Gov Annual Reports (II)_Neat

48
Muharraq Bridge:—
Work was commenced on the erection of the new Swing Bridge across the
Khore Khalyaon 10th Dooombor, 1939, and is proceeding at normal rate of progress.
Most of the foundation material, etc., had arrived by the end of January, 1940.
Messrs. Holloway Brothers, the contractors, anticipate that the Bridge will be
completed and ready for use by about the end of October, 1940 (Ramadhan, 1359)
provided that the steel work, etc., shortly to be shipped from England, is not delayed
in transit.
A supply of electricity is being given to the contractors for their crane, etc.,
from the Government mains in Muharraq, and a water supply from the nearest
artesian well.
Financial Position:—After meeting all charges, including depreciation, a nett
profit of Rs. 16,964-12-11 was made for 1358.
If the present international situation does not adversely affect the revenue of
the Electricity Department, it may be assumed that the usual annual increase in
revenue will continue. The bazaar is prosperous at present and the leading merchants
are renting larger premises and expanding their business. The building of houses
continues at a fairly rapid rate, and most of them will require electricity.
Electricity Charges.
A.C. Units:—The charges (including hire of machines) for electricity consumed
by A.C. units have been reduced by the introduction of a sliding scale.
Lighting and Fans:—It is proposed to reduce the price per unit to consumers
of electricity for lighting purposes (which includes fans) to seven annas per unit, a
reduction of one anna in the present rate. The reduction will be subject to the
usual war clauses.
Prospects for 1359:—
The connected load is expected to increase at the usual rate, i.e. 50 K.W. per
annum. In addition, the new Swing Bridge should be in operation by the autumn
of 1359, and the new Government Hospital at Naim should commence taking
current in larger quantities during the first three months of 1359. The connected
load from these two sources should amount to approximately 45 K.W.
There is a proposal for installing a high tension sub-station at Jufair to deal
with their increased load, which will possibly amount to an additional 15 K.W.
during 1369.

The lighting of the new Customs Pier extension will be carried out during
1359, additional connected load from this source being approximately 3J K.W.
The Air Liaison Officer’s air conditioning plant should be in operation during
1359, the connected load being 6 K.W.
Estimated additional connected load is about 70 K.W.
The question of increased generating capacity arises, and an addition to the
Power House plant of another 200 K.W. set should be made before the summer of
1360, as, by then, it is thought that the total connected load will be over 600* K.W.
The present generating capacity, including standby plant, is 400 K.W. The matter
of standby plant (and spares generally) is of considerable importance in a country
as far from sources of supply as Bahrain.