Three massive projects to expand Ma’ameer channel will inject new life into Tubli Bay and its surroundings.
The multi-million dinar projects are being carried out in a bid to reduce pollution and avert mass fish deaths which have been a regular occurrence, Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Minister Essam Khalaf said. He was responding to a question by area MP Ammar Al Mukhtar.
The projects will improve water circulation in the bay and surrounding areas, clear it of organic waste and ensure a cleaner and greener coastline.
“We are working to expand Ma’ameer channel under the Shaikh Jaber Al Ahmed Al Sabah Highway by 24 metres to reach a total length of 100 metres,” said Mr Khalaf.
“Water flow will be intensified through parallel pipelines.
“We are hoping to start work in December, the project may take up to nine months.”
The second project will see the width of the channel increase six-fold, from its current 30m to 180m. Part of the channel (Alba Bridge) south of Ma’ameer will also be expanded as part of the third project.
“The Ma’ameer channel will be 750m long, 180m wide and two metre deep,” Mr Khalaf said.
He said coastal projects have helped protect the bay and surroundings.
“The first phase of the Ma’ameer coastline and walkway was opened in 2019 with a footpath stretching 720m, powered by solar energy. Greenery and children’s rides add to its attraction,” he said.
“However, we don’t have any plans for a coastal project in Eker because there are no plots available under the government, but we will look into the possibility of a seafront.”
He added that a private company hired by the Capital Trustees Authority was cleaning the bay and surroundings two to three times weekly.
The Cabinet ordered an environmental assessment of Ma’ameer and the surrounding areas in June last year. The study focused on air quality and emissions by factories and industrial establishments.
The Cabinet also demanded work be speeded up on widening the Ma’ameer water channel to allow better circulation in Tubli Bay.
The assessment follows an investigation completed at the end of April that showed red tide and an increase in pollutants led to thousands of dead fish washing ashore in Ma’ameer and Eker.
Videos circulating on social media regularly showed small dead fish washing ashore on the coasts of both villages.
Initial probe by the Supreme Council for Environment (SCE) stated that the fish died from red tide, which is a phenomenon caused by algal blooms as they deplete oxygen and release toxins into water.
The SCE also found an increase in pollutants like ammonia and faecal bacteria, which it attributed to sewage dumping.
Mr Al Mukhtar and other MPs had earlier called for relocation of factories from the area as they have worsened the situation.
mohammed@gdn.com.bh
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