Page 128 - Bahrain Gov Annual Reports (IV)_Neat

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tax. In the bazaar there arc 2,879 shops and amaralis (stores) of which only 105 arc used by their owners.
Towards the end of the year the Council passed a resolution increasing the rate on shops and amarahs
which were occupied by their owners.
The most important work which was carried out by the Municipality during the year, apart from
normal town services, was the metalling of more main roads both inside and outside the bazaar. Shara
Shaikh Hamad, from the Pearl Cinema to Hota Abool was completed, work was continued on Shara Shaikh
Abdullah, inside the bazaar, and on Shara Busatccn. Altogether 122,800 square feet of town roads were
metalled by the Municipality. The cost of the work was considerable but the improved condition of the
roads, especially after the rain, was noticeable and the new work will obviate the constant need for expensive
road repairs.
Private enterprise in building was very active in the town; during 1368, 202 new stone houses
were built, 580 stone houses were repaired, and 129 new shops were constructed. The local style of
building has changed greatly in the last two decades. Straggling Arab type houses are going out of fashion,
partly because land in the town is so valuable ; they are being replaced by many compact two storied
buildings which have smaller rooms but more light and air. Very often dwellings arc flats above shops
or garages.
Some road widening was carried out. Cuts were made to 73 houses in order to widen streets ;
in Sham Barrett 17 shops were entirely demolished.
Progress was made in reclaiming low lying land on the south of the town whose level is gradually
being raised by dumping on it town rubbish covered with earth and sand. This land was at one time as
high as the neighbouring ground but for many years people removed mud from it for building houses and
eventually it became a depression full of stagnant water during many months of the year.
During the year 34,000 head of sheep and goats and 1,813 head °f cattle were inspected after arriving
in Bahrain and the importers were given certificates to enable them to export goods under the barter system.
Other work which was done by the Municipality was of a routine nature. The Council met 12 times
during the year ; during the absence on the Haj of His Excellency Shaikh Abdullah bin Isa Al-Khalifah,
President of the Council, His Highness Shaikh Sulman bin Hamad Alkhalifah presided at the Council
meetings. Sub-committees held 21 meetings.

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