Major projects underway to boost Bahrain's development

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A series of work plans are already underway by government ministers to put into effect a roadmap for Bahrain’s future.

During the opening of the National Assembly yesterday, His Majesty King Hamad highlighted several fields that needed development including better judiciary procedures and new fish and agriculture farms.

He also ordered the introduction of a digital economy and artificial intelligence in government work, oil and gas developments, breakthrough in transportation, and other vital projects.

In response, Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ali Al Khalifa said three projects were already being worked on.

“We have the new law on correctional justice for children, along with amending existing legislation to introduce new technologies, mainly artificial intelligence in courts, and widening the scope of alternative punishments,” he said.

“The judicial authority should be smooth and judges and prosecutors are working to introduce advancements in the field to ensure a faster and more efficient course of justice – but the issue always remains on how our national laws could adapt.

“The new correctional justice for children is a step forward from the current jail and juvenile system, as we cover another range that is not tackled by our legislation.

“Also, new technologies in court are more advanced than our system is ready for and we need a facelift to existing laws.

“The alternative punishments will also see major advancements as we partner with the private sector, knowing that we have implemented 86 per cent of the alternative punishments on community service and training since its introduction a year ago – 1,022 cases.

“Judges are not handing out alternative punishments because it is a trend, it is simply because they want to give a chance to those convicted who want to change, while jail still remains the essence of law.”

Meanwhile, Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Minister Essam Khalaf said several projects to ensure food security in the country were underway.

He explained that investors would also be invited to enter the fisheries and agriculture sectors as plans were in place to expand.

“Work to study all available locations that would be offered to the private sector is ongoing and we will speed it up,” he said.

“There are several government properties that could be put into use for food security.”

Public Works Under-Secretary Ahmed Al Khayat also said that infrastructure projects were being fast-tracked to ensure urbanisation and tackle population growth.

“The leadership is directing us towards speeding up work and there are many initiatives that are in the final stages that will see the light,” he said.

At yesterday’s ceremony, His Majesty King Hamad opened the National Assembly’s second session of the fifth legislative term at the Isa Cultural Centre.

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