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exceptional heat, the total daily average consumption was about the same as in 1368, with a peak
of 907,000 gallons per day on the 19th August.
Now filters were fitted to most of the meters, with satisfactory results.
The centrifugal pump, kindly lent to the Government by Bahrain Petroleum Co. Ltd., gave
excellent service. It was returned in Shawal when the new pump, ordered over a year before, at last
arrived and was installed. It was hoped to install a second centrifugal pump, which was surplus to
the requirements at the Power House, but this pump was found to be unequal to its task. A second
pump is on order from the United Kingdom and it is hoped that it may be in operation before next
summer.
At the beginning of the year, the Public Works Department took over from the Accounts
Department the meter reading and rendering of accounts; thus the Department was in full control
of the supply of main water. This centralisation of control has undoubtedly made for greater economy
and efficiency, as the figures for the year—published later in the Report—show. The control and
operation of the whole supply were in the hands of Mr. L. Harris, who formed the Water Supply
Department, consisting of clerks, meter readers, etc., working from a small office in the Public Works
Department's yard. Every credit is due to Mr. Harris for the successful supply of water and the
encouraging results of the year’s working.
In the unusually hot weather of 1370, the supply of main water was a great asset to the Island’s
economy and, as in previous years, approximately one third of the total of water supplied was
provided at no charge for the poorer members of the community.
Roads :
New Work to Roads.—The total sum spent was Rs. 5,64,184, a decrease of about 18 per cent
from that spent in 1369. The main works consisted of:—
(a) the completion of the sand formation, and the subsequent metalling of the all-weather
road from Muharraq to Hedd.
(b) over two miles of roads for the Muharraq Municipality. A road was surfaced from the
Police Station, round the creek on the east of the town, until it joined the Muharraq-Hcdd Road
at the junction of that road with the road to the R.A.F. camp. A road was made over the plain from
Muharraq Boys’ School to the new road mentioned above, joining it at about a quarter of a mile south
of the junction.
(c) various roads of secondary importance in Manamah, such as the incomplcted part of Palace
Road, the eastern portion of Budaya Road, the road joining Palace Road and Sheikh Isa Road by the
American Mission, a road joining Sheikh Daig Road to the R.A.F. jetty, roads to entrance to Power
House, Fort, etc., etc.
In addition, part of the Customs Pier, various compounds of Government buildings, the newly
reclaimed area in front of the Customs House, and the new Bus Park on the Sea Road, west of Eastern
Bank, were all surfaced.
As in previous years, contracts were let for the supply of stores and sand for road making, and
prices were very keen.
Pavements.—These were constructed on the East side of Belgrave Road from the Hostel
to Sheikh Isa Road, and on the South-East side of Daly Road. These pavements are proving of
great benefit, especially at night. They are in a busy district, which contains several cinemas and
popular coffee shops; and the pavements greatly add to the safety of pedestrians and to the con
venience of motorists.
Maintenance Work.—A sum of Rs. 2,67,861 was spent, an increase of about 200 per cent
over that for 1368. The usual maintenance and upkeep of roads and bridges outside the towns in