Latest news with #BD300
Daily Tribune
23-07-2025
- General
- Daily Tribune
Ras Raya jetty, Bahrain's fish hub, left high and dry for 17 years
Ras Raya jetty in Muharraq, a landing site that supplies most of Bahrain's fish markets, remains without electricity or running water 17 years after its opening. The jetty, which opened in 2008, was intended to support local fishermen with service buildings and mooring space. While the buildings were constructed, none are in use due to the absence of power and water connections. Fishermen say this has left them struggling to maintain their boats, store equipment safely, or even carry out repairs. Visit Muharraq Municipal Council member Fadhil Al Oud, who represents the Sixth Constituency, visited the site to meet fishermen and inspect conditions. He said the port continues to lack the basics such as lighting, washrooms, drinking water and a mosque. He called for a budget to be set aside for repairs and service upgrades. Fishermen from Dair and Samaheej said the jetty's condition affects both their earnings and safety. Boats Some have had to move their boats away from the main dock, known locally as 'the jetty', as it has been submerged for years. Rising tides, they say, could soon engulf other sections of the port, damaging engines that rely on freshwater cooling. Others recounted the closure of a small ice and water factory once set up by a private investor. It allowed fishermen to stock up near the jetty rather than travel to Hidd or further. But the operation folded, they said, due to the high cost of fuelling diesel generators. Generators Since then, some have paid as much as BD20 a day to run their own generators while working. There are no working storage sheds either. Earlier attempts by the authorities to install metal cabins failed. The interiors became unbearably hot, there was no shelter above, and the units were prone to leaks. Theft Many fishermen now leave their tools in the open or risk theft. Several have reported ropes, traps and other gear going missing. Fishermen have suggested allowing small personal storage cabins and fitting cameras at the jetty's entrance to help reduce theft. They also called for a review of the current penalties for marine infractions, saying fines starting from BD300 are too high given the nature of their work and income. Proposal Al Oud added that he had submitted a proposal four years ago to fix the problem and followed up with the authorities. The matter, he said, has yet to move. He said fishermen continue to face daily trouble, and many have been left to work in unsuitable conditions despite the jetty's role in meeting most of the local demand for fish.
Daily Tribune
26-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Cash prizes for 50 winners totalling BD 14,000 Al Baraka Islamic Bank launches
Al Baraka Islamic Bank Bahrain, one of the leading Islamic banks in the Kingdom of Bahrain, has announced the launch of its new summer promotional campaign for credit cardholders. Running until 20 October, 2025, the campaign features three grand draws offering generous prizes to 50 winners with cash prizes totalling BD 14,000, in addition to 200,000 loyalty points. Customers participating in this exciting campaign will have the chance to win cash prizes and reward points when using their credit cards locally, internationally, or online for a minimum sum of BD300 for local transactions, and BD700 for international or online transactions in foreign currencies excluding Euro. The summer promotional campaign includes cash prizes totalling BD 14,000 for 50 winners, in addition to 200,000 reward points distributed to eligible customers based on their local and international credit card spending. Customers are automatically entered into the draw upon achieving the minimum qualifying spending amount, with one entry for every BD50 spent during the campaign period. Customers who meet all eligibility criteria will also qualify to enter the three draws and win each, giving them a chance to triple their wins during the campaign period. Mr. Mazin Dhaif, Chief Retail Officer at Al Baraka Islamic Bank, stated, 'At Al Baraka Islamic Bank, we provide real value to our customers through innovative programs and initiatives that meet their daily needs and offer greater rewards. Our summer credit card campaign is part of this commitment, offering a distinct mix of cash prizes and loyalty points to enhance the customer experience and support their financial goals.' It is important to note that Al Baraka Islamic Bank's credit cards are fully Shari'a-compliant and come with numerous exclusive benefits. These include no salary transfer requirement, no annual fees, and the Al Baraka Rewards Program, which allows points to be redeemed for global travel and accommodation offers, free access to airport lounges worldwide, and other unique perks.
Daily Tribune
05-06-2025
- General
- Daily Tribune
New Jid Al Haj finally gets sewage, lighting, and roads after six years in the making
Sewage, lighting, and roads have finally reached New Jid Al Haj after six years of delay, following the completion of a long-running infrastructure project backed by the government and carried out by the Ministry of Works. Northern Municipal Council chairman Dr Sayed Shubbar Al Wadaei described the development as a turning point for the area. The works, which began in 2019, delivered a sewage network, stormwater drains, water and electricity connections, paved roads, street lighting, speed bumps, and traffic signs. The contract was valued at BD1.05 million, with additional items expected to raise the total cost by BD300,000. Land levelling and backfilling came to around BD50,000. Site visit Dr Al Wadaei said the project followed a site visit on 26 October 2019, during which he and his team met with residents and reviewed the conditions on the ground. The area, he said, was marked by large quantities of building waste, blocked roads, stagnant water, insect infestations, and the presence of reptiles. Basic services such as water and electricity were not available. An action plan was drawn up with the support of the Ministry of Works and the Northern Municipality. The initial focus was on getting electricity and water into homes in coordination with the Electricity and Water Authority. Ease traffic A new road was constructed on the eastern edge of the area to ease traffic and improve access. Eighty truckloads of debris were removed and taken to the Askar landfill. A technical study was carried out to assess road levels and plan the internal road network. This was followed by earthworks and surface preparation ahead of the second phase. Installation That stage saw the installation of the drainage systems, road surfacing, and lighting. The work was completed on 2 June 2025. Dr Al Wadaei said the result was the product of sustained coordination and practical steps based on shared responsibility and cooperation. He thanked Works Minister, His Excellency Ibrahim bin Hassan Al Hawaj, and Undersecretary Shaikh Mishaal bin Mohammed Al Khalifa for their role, and said further development in newly planned residential blocks within the First Constituency remains a priority.
Daily Tribune
26-05-2025
- Daily Tribune
BD300 fine for rubbish left outside bins
Bin bags left outside homes in newer housing areas are to be ignored by collection crews, as the Northern Municipality begins enforcing penalties of up to BD300 for rubbish left outside the designated containers. The municipality has stopped collecting household waste placed directly in front of houses and is instructing residents to use the fixed bins and barrels intended for that purpose. Under the Public Cleanliness Law, waste must be stored in containers with proper lids, and leaving it elsewhere is an offence. Fines start at BD50 and may rise to BD300 depending on the nature and frequency of the breach. The municipality is calling on residents to dispose of rubbish properly. Paper notices outlining the change have been distributed across several neighbourhoods. Notices In the Ramli housing area, the notices were seen affixed to walls and gates, stating that household waste should only be taken out between 8pm and 10pm. In many of the newer developments, the habit of dumping rubbish bags on pavements has taken hold, with bins sometimes unused or not put out at all. The municipality has pointed to this as one reason for enforcing the penalties. The law applies to all types of premises, including homes, offices, shops, factories and other establishments. Waste must be stored in covered containers and kept off public ground.
Daily Tribune
18-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Shura panel opposes plan to lower contract review threshold from BD300,000 to BD100,000
Plans to push an extra thousand government contracts each year through legal review have been thrown off course, after a Shura Council committee recommended dropping a proposed law aimed at widening the remit of Bahrain's Legislation and Legal Opinion Commission. The amendment, brought forward by MPs, would lower the threshold for mandatory contract scrutiny from BD300,000 to BD100,000. It is set to be debated in Sunday's session, but the Legislative and Legal Affairs Committee has advised against adopting it in principle. In its report, the committee argued that such a move would weigh down the Commission with additional work, risking delays across public services and procurement. The Ministry of Justice backed this view, warning that reducing the threshold would stretch the Commission's staff and disrupt contract procedures. The current limit was raised in 2010, the committee noted, to account for rising prices and the growing scale of public spending. At that time, it stood at BD100,000. The decision to triple it was based on the need for greater flexibility, especially in dealings tied to investment and time-sensitive services. The committee found no pressing reason to return to the previous figure, and questioned why a rule dropped fifteen years ago ought to be revived. The Commission already examines around 450 contracts each year. Many are detailed, with multiple annexes and drafts. Lowering the bar, the committee said, would double that load and dilute the attention given to larger deals. Public bodies would be forced to send smaller contracts for legal review, which could hold up work and increase delays. The committee also flagged inconsistencies in the draft law's wording. The explanatory note refers to 'transactions' and 'contracts', yet the legal article itself deals only with contracts. That distinction matters: not every transaction is a contract, and the law as written doesn't account for one-off decisions or acts made without agreement between parties. Several layers of oversight are already in place. Ministries are required to run contracts past their own legal teams and gain clearance from the Ministry of Finance before signing anything. Public money The Tender Board handles bidding and supplier appeals, while the National Audit Office keeps an eye on how public money is spent. In the case of contracts worth more than BD300,000, the Commission already steps in. The committee added that public authorities are still free to consult the Commission on lower-value contracts if needed. That, it said, keeps the system flexible without pushing the Commission into every minor deal. Evidence No evidence was provided to show that the current law had caused problems or left loopholes. Nor did the proposal spell out how the change would improve the handling of public contracts. On that basis, the committee has recommended that the Council reject the amendment when it comes up for debate.
