Page 142 - Bahrain Gov Annual Reports (IV)_Neat

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PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

(Report by Mr. S. Hills, Officcr-in-Chargc.)
The Public Works Department had another very busy and productive year. The sum the Depart­
ment spent on actual “ works ”, was Rs. 24,39,01*3 ; this being easily the highest figure on record and an
increase of approximately 66 per cent over the figure for 1367—itself the highest previously recorded.
By far the most outstanding event of the year was the completion of the mains water supply. The
contractors finished their work in Safur; and throughout the whole year the Public Works Department
were busily engaged in laying water connections to Government buildings and private consumers. Mr.
L. Harris, on loan from Messrs. Holloway Bros. (London) Ltd., worked with the Department in charge
of these operations ; and when his contract with Messrs. Holloway terminated, he joined the Government
as Assistant to the Officer in charge of the Public Works Department. At the close of the year various
public water installations were in use and more than 1,200 houses were being supplied.
The large increase in the Department’s output provided a serious test for its organisation and
certain weaknesses in its set-up became apparent. The lack of sufficient supervision entailed much
organisation and detail being left to local overseers ; and although they did very well on the whole, the big
increase in their responsibilities and the fact that “ major ” works were far more dispersed than ever before,
shewed up faults in efficient management of labour and transport. Generally speaking, however, results
of the year’s work can be viewed with a tempered satisfaction. Several important public buildings were
finished as well as a large number of smaller works.
The most serious difficulty encountered concerned the arrival of stores from the United Kingdom.
These were on better offer than in recent years; and judging by suppliers’ estimates, the delivery terms
should have been better. In actual fact, deliveries were even more uncertain than ever before—despite
the excellent and unceasing efforts of the Government’s London Agents. The consequent delays put the
works’ programme right out of gear. It cannot be too strongly emphasised that while a lengthy delivery
is unfortunate at least it can be allowed for; whereas an uncertain delivery is a factor which is bound to
cause delay and additional expense.
There were no serious local troubles. The loss of good tradesmen to Oil Companies and con­
tractors on the mainland was net so serious as in recent years. The general standard of workmanship
showed some improvement; especially in the ease of plumbers and filters and, to a lesser extent, of car­
penters. The Department was better provided with transport and plant and thus better able to cope
with its increased obligations and undertakings.
A small rise in total costs occurred during the year, due to the aggregation of several seemingly
trivial causes.
One unusual feature of the year’s work was the relatively large total done in the months following
Ramadan, usually the worst period of the year. This was partly due, no doubt, to the exceptionally good
weather that prevailed ; but much credit must also be given to Mr. Harris (acting for the Officer-in-charge
who was on leave) and the Head Clerk ; both of whom shewed much energy and drive. Throughout the
year the office staff, the outside overseers and foremen and the storekeepers worked keenly and well.

WORKS
I. Major Works.
(a) Government Offices.—These were completed in Shawal, the final completion being delayed
owing to non arrival of certain stores. The Offices consist of two large buildings joined by two arches
over the road leading south from the Customs Square. The general design was conceived by the Adviser
and the original constructional plans were prepared by the late Mr. R. C. Tunnicliffe. Some amendments
to the plans were prepared by the present Officcr-in-charge and much of the finishing detail was designed
by the Adviser. Salahudin was the overseer in charge of the work. The offices follow the traditional
local style, with certain local features giving a distinctive touch—for instance, " Arab panels ” are used
for the balustrades of the verandahs and first floor landings ; windows with semi-circular heads are placed
on the south front, and a very fine example of a local double door—beautifully carved—was presented by