Page 192 - Bahrain Gov Annual Reports (III)_Neat

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Additional repair facilities have been made available by the provision of a small painting shop,
also a carpenter’s shop. So far only the hand painting of vehicles has been possible but it is hoped
to utilise a paint spraying plant when a supply of suitable Cellulose base paints can be made. The
lack of painting facilities has in the past been a contributory factor to the rapid wear of M. T. equip­
ment, body work, etc., as deterioration resulting from corrosion is excessively high in Bahrain.
Fire Section.—The Government and Municipal Fire Engines extinguished twelve fires during
1363—No major outbreaks occurred.
Traffic Section.—The State Engineer's Department continued to carry out the registration
of all motor vehicles in the State, testing of brakes, lights, etc. (in accordance with the Bahrain Govern­
ment Motor Vehicle Proclamation of 1357).
The licensing and re-licensing of all drivors was also carried out by this Department, 6m drivers
being examined during 1363, out of which 447 passed. The number of licenses issued during the year
was 699.
The number of motor vehicles now in use in the State was registered at the end of 1363 as 529,
including those of the Bahrain Petroleum Company but excluding all vehicles belonging to
II. M. Forces. It is expected that some new vehicles will be imported during 1364 which would relieve
the present difficulties due to insufficiency of road transport facilities. Four vehicles were withdrawn
from service by the State Engineer during 1363 owing to their very bad mechanical condition which
made them non-roadworthy. No spares could be obtained for their repair from normal sources and
even had such spares been available it would not have been an economical proposition to have used
them on such old vehicles. They were eventually put up for sale by tender and a price of Rs. 10,100
was finally accepted. The offer of such a sum of money which is excessively beyond the true or
economic value indicates that spare parts have been conserved by some dealers and are being retailed
at fabulous prices in the black market.
The issue of car batteries at controlled prices was continued during 1363, as in the case of tyres,
firstly to essential vehicles.
Shaikh Hamad Bridge.—Shaikh Hamad Bridge continued to operate successfully during
1363* Total revenue amounted to Rs. 66,260-6-0. Operating costs, etc. including all charges and
depreciation for three years (1361-1363) amounted to Rs. 35,209-13-1 leaving a surplus of
Rs. 31,050-8-11.
General.
Water Scheme.—The Municipal Water Scheme is still held in abeyance owing to the war.
Until this is carried out including suitable draining, the breeding of mosquitoes and consequent high
percentage of malaria will continue in the Manamah City Area.
New Artesian Well for the Power House.—For some time it has been evident that the
casing of the supply well is defective, allowing silt to enter the engines with the cooling water. After
consultation with the Bahrain Petroleum Company, it has been decided to drill a new well and when
completed to plug the existing one. This work will be carried out in 1364.
Staff.—Since the Department was started in 1349 every effort has been made to
train Bahrainians in the work of the various sections, but generally speaking they do not seem to
acquire the skill of hand which is required for the efficient maintenance of mechanical equipment.
When the machinery and tools for the new fitting shop become available, it is hoped to give additional
training by employing each mechanic in turn for a short period on repair work requiring the use of
both hand and machine tools. This work will be supervised by a competent mechanic.
The Department has 100 employees of all classes out of which only six are foreigners (British
subjects).