Page 250 - Bahrain Gov Annual Reports (III)_Neat

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to its extreme hardness and scale forming characteristics. This additional plant now awaited has
therefore become an imperative requirement and its supply should have been considered when the
generating set was placed on order in September 1943.
Power Distribution.—The major part of the power distribution in Manamah and Muharraq is
effected by H.T. & L.T. copper feeder lines carried on steel standards. The general condition of the
lines is considered to be satisfactory from the standpoint of safety and no more than two breakages
have occurred during the year. Transmission and Transformer losses have been reduced by 1*9%
during the year. Several sections require to be replaced by larger diameter copper to increase
their load carrying capacity, and also, in some cases, the standards require to be re-positioned to
conform with road widening, building operations, etc. Several lines in the Manamah Town area
have been re-positioned but further progress has been impeded owing to the non-availability of
essential equipment.
Lines inspection and maintenance have been very much neglected over a number of years
and no permanent staff has been retained for this most essential requirement. A linesman and cable
jointer was engaged for this work during May 1945 but left after a period of two months only. To
date no replacement has been available but one is shortly expected from India.
The steel power line standards are in a large number of cases badly corroded and require early
replacement. Corrosion is equally excessive both below and above ground. A considerable number
have been rendered unserviceable owing to damage by motor traffic. No spare standards have been
available excepting a small quantity specially manufactured by the Bahrain Petroleum Company
Limited, from old steel casing from their oil wells plant. An order for fifty new standards was placed
in England during September and early supply is anticipated. Upon arrival they will be erected as
requisite.

Future Planning.—On a five years plan, it is considered that a minimum generating capacity
of 1,200 K\V will be required to provide for increased demands and reserve. The latter is a most
essential requirement to cover breakdowns and the impossibility of obtaining spare parts at reason­
ably short notice from England. I11 addition, reserve capacity should be large enough to carry
the maximum daily load thereby allowing sufficient time in which to carry out maintenance on the
stand-by plant. To date, one set of a rated output of 300 KW has been firmly placed on orders
and enquiries are being made towards the provision of additional plant. Some concern is felt over
the reported date of completion of the electrical part of the contract which is approximately one
year later than the date quoted for the completion of the diesel engine. It is essential that the
supply of the engine and alternator also associated auxiliaries should be coincident. Urgent
enquiries are being made in order to provide this vital requirement.
New Load.—Extra load connected during the year amounted to 89-5 KW. The nature of
the new load was as follows :—
Lights and fans .. 56-450 K.W.
Power, Motors, etc. .. .. 32-4I3 ..
A.C. Units •• o-373 „
Refrigerators .. 0-264
89-500 K.W.
Total connected load at the end of 1363 .. ..1092-500 „
1182-000 K.W.
Less: R.A.F. Muharraq connected load at the end of 1363. 246-500
935-500 K.W.
Plus: Supply to R.A.F. Tank Installation and emergency
supply to R.A.F. camp...................... .. 100-000
Total connected load at the end of 1364 .. ..1035-500 K.W.