Construction work on Bahrain’s biggest nature reserve has gone over budget by BD4.5m ($11.6m) and costs could rise even further, officials have admitted.
The Arad Bay nature reserve and park in Muharraq is now 90% complete and due to open to the public in December, council officials told the Gulf Daily News.
They admitted that the project, which had an original budget of BD5.5m in 2006, had cost BD10m to date, and that expenses could further increase up to BD12m.
Councillors told the paper the increased costs were due to the scale of work and that government funding had already been spent on the project.
“It is true that the project has seen numerous delays because of lack of funding, but it is now on the right track,” Muharraq councillor Ali Al Moqla told the paper.
“What remains are some finishing touches, which will cost an extra BD2m on top of the allocated BD10m, which is an increase from the original BD5.5m budget.
“But funds are being arranged. People shouldn’t worry. The bay will be open to the public in time for National Day celebrations.”
The project by the Public Commission for the Protection of Marine Resources, Environment and Wildlife was delayed a number of times because of contractual problems, the paper reported. Work eventually began at the end of 2007.
The nature reserve will be home to marine plants, fish and migratory birds. The new park will include pathways and gardens, in addition to children’s games, medical facilities and shops.
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