Page 456 - Bahrain Gov Annual Reports (IV)_Neat

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Small New Construction Works.—An unusually large amount—Rs. 8,84,579—was spent.
It should be noted that these works include the building of three Police Stations,—at Hidd,
Muharraq and Quadabiya—a new Health and Immigration Office at the Airport, extensive
additions to the European Wards at the Hospital, and a large addition to Quadabiya Palace ;
all of which would have been considered sizeable works a few years ago.
Numerous other works of a very diverse nature were carried out, to name a few, the
rebuilding of Budaiya jetty ; much work to Budaiya Garden, the complete rebuilding of two of
Manama’s three main drains, additions to various schools, the Adviseratc, etc.
As had been found in previous years, the efficient and economical supervision of such a
large number of scattered works proved very difficult ; and until P.W.D. staff is substantially
increased, this difficulty is likely to recur and intensify.
Major Construction Works.—A new cooling tower was erected at the Power Station ; some
reclamation of the sea bed having first been carried out ; and a pond constructed.
A Customs Shed, 292 ft. by 60 ft., was erected at the shore end of the Customs Pier, on
land reclaimed last year.
A new “market’’ was built at Quadabiya. It consists of a steel framed shed, 180 ft. by
60 ft. (ordered for Customs, but gladly surrendered by Director of Customs as soon as he
realized the need for the market). The walls arc built of faroosh up to 7 ft. and fly wired above
to the eaves. The market is in three parts, for meal, fish and vegetables, and is a great improve­
ment on any other in the island. It was about 80 per cent, complete at the end of the year.
The Awal Road flats, now known as Tylos House, were completed ; and a similar block,
immediately to the west, was started and nearly finished by the end of the year.
The Health Office and flat was finished and handed over in Shaban.
The Boys’ School, Muharraq, was completed.
Two blocks, each of four small residential flats, were started on a site reclaimed at the north
corner of the Sea Road, Muharraq. These flats will be finished by the end of Rabi/Thani, 1372.
The construction of a first floor over the Government Shops on Barrett Road was started
in Shawal. This addition will consist of offices, not necessarily connecting with the shops below'.
A first floor addition was started over the Technical School Workshop. This is planned to
give accommodation for four senior married masters.
The erection of a new Palace was started in Shawal, near the shore between the R.A.F.
Residence and the A.P.A’s House. By the end of the year all foundations were in and work
had reached plinth height (viz., 4 ft. 6 in.).

The foregoing description shows that the Department had another very busy year and that
its activities are of a diverse and far-reaching nature.
Weather conditions in 1371 were good. There was little cold weather in the winter nor any
heavy rains ; and it is many years since there has been such a delightfully clement summer.
Stores from U.K. were in better supply, and although prices generally continued to rise there
was a welcome drop in the price of timber. Local stores—sand, stone, coral and lime—were all
in good supply at prices comparable with those paid in recent years.
Against these favourable conditions must be set the labour difficulties encountered during
the year. Despite the general increase in wages which came into force in Dhul/Quada, 1370,
it is becoming increasingly difficult to retain good tradesmen, who can get far higher wages in
any of the neighbouring countries or from the Oil Companies. During the summer of the year
under review the loss of carpenters assumed really serious proportions. In Rajab the Depart­
ment employed 87 carpenters, and by the end of the year the number had dropped to 47. This
had the effect of seriously delaying the completion of many projects.
The cost of work generally was higher by over 25 per cent, over the previous year, Most of
this was due to the increase in wages ; and to a lesser extent to the increased cost of stores.
The higher standard of work and better finish now being achieved has also naturally resulted
in higher costs.
For the first time for many years some construction works, of a simple nature, were let to
contract. This practice will have to be followed to a greater extent in the future, if the antici­
pated demands on the Department arc to be met.