Page 365 - Bahrain Gov Annual Reports (II)_Neat

13
A control house was built on the south of the road on the Muharraq side consisting of two
rooms. The building was erected on a stone platform rising from the bedrock, a similar building was
made at the Ras Rommaan end of the causeway and at this end double swing gates were installed
for controlling traffic passing onto the causeway. Two sentry boxes were provided for the police
guard at the gates.
Manomoh Palace. Rs. 2,559. The large majlis used by His Highness on official occasions,
was renovated and certain improvements were made. The roof of the palace was repaired and wood
and metal work was repainted. This building is in an unsatisfactory condition and the south portion
shows signs of sinking.
Muharraq Sea Road. Rs. 3,000. A grant was made to the Muharraq Municipality for the
purpose of building a parapet on the inner side of the road from the customs house to Busaitin.
Budeya Garden. Rs. 2,415. Additional water channels and overflow drains were made in
the Budeya garden, which was considerably enlarged during the year.
Kozabia Bungalow (leased to the Assistant Political Agent). Rs. 1,775. A jerid fence was
built, around the building, provided with a gate and certain improvements were carried out.
The annual rent of this house is Rs. 1,560.
Cattle Sheds. Rs. 583. The cattle sheds west of the fort were completed during the year.
Land Department Office and Adviserate. Rs. 1,088. A new office was built for the
Land Department in the south verandah of the Adviserate building and two gates and a cement wall
were constructed. Latrines for the office staff were built on land to the south of the P.W.D. god own.
Maintenance of Roads. Rs. 12,031. About 71,500 square feet of the Manamah-Muharraq
causeway was surfaced with oil and sand mixture which has been found very successful on other
roads in Bahrain. Much work was done on the country roads in the middle of the island and a
number of light bridges were built across water channels. All the villages between the Manamah-Rafaa
road and the Manamah-Budeya road are now accessible for motor traffic. The old coast road from
Manamah to Barbar, via Jid al Haj, was improved and some bridges were rebuilt.
Upkeep of Government Buildings. Rs. 11,692. Included under this heading were repairs
to hospitals, schools, customs house, fort and law courts, alterations and additions to the Muharraq
girls' school, and additions to the Isolation Hospital where another room was added. The mosque
at Abu Zaidan was restored and some improvements were made at Idari pool.
In addition to work on Government buildings the department dealt with repairs to some of
His Highness’ own property in Manamah, which was paid for from His Highness’ personal account.
Excluding the Manamah-Muharraq swing bridge the total expenditure on public works was
Rs. 2,44.800.

THE RESERVE FUND.

From the time when it was originally started the Reserve Fund has been invested in sterling
war loans paying interest at the rate of 3$ per cent free of Income-tax. By making a substantial
annual investment over a number of years it is hoped to create a Reserve Fund whose interest will
partly compensate the State for the loss of oil revenue when oil production decreases. The State
has aimed at an annual investment of not less than 14 lakhs but during the last five years it has been
possible to invest on an average 15 lakhs per annum.
At the end of 1359 the State had £500,000 invested in London representing approximately
Rs. 66,50,000 and a balance of Rs. 5,45,000 in London and Bahrain.
During 1360 the Hon'blc the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf recommended the transfer
of the Reserve Fund from sterling securities into rupee securities in view of the possibility of the
pound sterling depreciating in terms of the rupee. His Highness the Ruler agreed to this step being
taken. The sum of £50,000 invested in 3$ per cent Government of India stock was left in London
as the income from this sum was required for making various annual payments in England, the