Page 169 - Bahrain Gov Annual Reports (III)_Neat

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The Budget for 1364 includes the additional grant of Rs. 1,000 per month from the Bahrain
Government. Revenue from Municipal taxes has been assessed at slightly less than last year's
revenue and the expenditure provides only for routine work. In spite of the prosperous condition of
the people and the increased expenditure by the Municipality the Municipal taxes have not been raised.
Out of 3,917 houses only 50 pay more than Re. 1 per month, the majority pay between 3 annas and
12 annas monthly and 1,400 arc unproductive.

Municipal Activities. During the year the Municipal authorities endeavoured to induce
the public to adopt more hygienic measures in sanitary matters by preventing open spaces and street
corners from being used as rubbish heaps and public conveniences. Though the inhabitants of the
town arc not backward in complaining about the prevalence of malaria, dysentery and eye diseases
yet they themselves neglect taking measures to prevent the breeding of flics and mosquitoes.

The great increase in heavy traffic and the floods caused by rain and exceptionally high tides
caused much damage to roads and the shortage of municipal transport which was required for hauling
mud and sand resulted in a deterioration in the state of roads and streets. The dust which was
stirred on the roads during the summer by the motor traffic became a source of inconvenience to the
people of the town. A fire engine which can also be used for watering roads is urgently needed in
Muharraq.

The Municipality during the year codified the municipal rules and regulations. A sub­
committee of the Council undertook this work which was approved after considerable discussion and
some disagreements.
Endeavours were made to improve the fish market, meat market and slaughter house but as
these places were privately owned only small improvements were made, however this section of the
market was provided with a water supply.
An enquiry was held as to the ownership of artesian wells in the town many of which were
paid for, many years ago, by local merchants who installed them for the use of the community. The
repair and upkeep of the wells is paid for by the Municipality and the cost of their upkeep is now high.
A ruling was made, in spite of strong opposition, that people taking water from public wells by pipes
to their houses should pay a water rate.
A new road was opened in Hedd town and some reclamation of swampy ground was effected.
The people of Hedd do not at present pay any municipal taxes.
The Municipality continued to take an active part in the issuing of ration cards, distribution of
food supplies and the enforcement of price control. During half of the year the Municipality undertook
the sale and distribution of meat in Muharraq and in Hedd. Meat is not bought as extensively in
Muharraq as it is in Manama except during the month of Ramadhan.

No big schemes or improvements arc contemplated during 1364 though it is hoped that the
Municipality will be able to continue widening certain streets in the town by removing buildings on
dangerous corners. As neither public authorities or private people are able to do any building because
the materials for necessary repairs are difficult to obtain the general appearance of the town has become
somewhat shabby. Various improvements to the town of Muharraq are under consideration but
these works cannot be carried out until local conditions have changed making development possible.
It has been suggested that the road along the seafront of Muharraq should be extended southwards
from the pier, it is also proposed that a road should be made from the eastern shore of the town to the
open land on the north. The Municipal offices are now housed in a hired building, it would be more
satisfactory if a municipal building could be erected possibly above the municipal shops near the pier,
but these and many other projects cannot be undertaken at present.