Page 189 - Bahrain Gov annual reports(V)_Neat

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Roads surfaces generally suffered badly due to intensive programmes of cable and pipe
laying and in many eases repairs long overdue had to be put off until the laying of these services
was completed.
The condition of the Saikh Hamad Swing Bridge caused considerable anxiety, grave
deterioration being found in the reinforced concrete spans due to corrosion of the reinforcement.
Parts of the structure were temporarily underpinned and restrictions on loading and speed
tightened up. Consulting Engineers are preparing a scheme for the rehabilitation and strength­
ening of the bridge.
Manama Water Supply. The scheme continued to expand, revenue increasing from
Rs. 2,71,734 in 1372 to Rs. 3,37,956 in 1954 and a profit of Rs. 62,325 being recorded. A
determined effort was made to overcome the persistent meter troubles that had dogged the
supply since its inception in 1948, with resulting loss of revenue and control. During the year
over 2,000 of the 3,100 meters in service were rebuilt with special materials capable of with­
standing the highly corrosive action of the water and a system of periodic overhaul at close
intervals, instituted.
With continually increasing consumption difficulty was experienced in meeting demand and
maintaining pressure during the height of the 1954 hot weather. Pending the carrying out in
1955 of a scheme for the general enlargement and improvement of the supply, temporary pumps
were set up near the Government Hospital and on the new well in the public garden on Jufair
Road.
Staff. The senior staff of the Department was strengthened by recruitment of the follow­
ing officers :
Works Officer (Women’s Hospital project) : Mr. Toms.
Works Officer (Maintenance and Minor Works) : Mr. Hunt.
Building Surveyor : Mr. R. T. Capeling.
and two graduates from the Technical School were taken in for training as overseers. Major
Hills, Director of Works retired in April, 1954. He had been in charge of the Department
since 1947 and to him must go the credit for the introduction into Bahrain of many of the
modern buildings techniques in use here to-day and for the development of a general style of
building embodying these techniques, yet in keeping with the fine architecture of the older
Arab houses.
He left behind him numerous examples of his skill as a designer and his energy and resource
as a builder. The New Palace, the Secondary School and Hostel, Awal and Tylos Houses,
being notable examples. He also set a standard of service to Government and to the Public
that will long be remembered.

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