Plans to cut the cost of constructing walkways are being investigated in a bid to pave the way for more of the popular community assets to be built.
The Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Ministry is studying the process at various planning, building and operational stages.
“There are many plans and programmes that the ministry is working on to reduce the cost of construction and operation of walkways and parks,” said Minister Essam Khalaf, in a response to a question from Parliament.
“Among these are using clean energy in a number of recreational projects which contributes to reducing operational costs.”
Solution
State-of-the-art solar-powered lighting is one solution and providing all entertainment services within projects helps to avoid them spilling out into surrounding areas, he added.
He stressed that the cost of building walkways varied according to the area and location.
“Some of the walkways in cities already have the infrastructure and road network connections in place so their cost is lower than those, for example, at coastal areas that may require conducting environmental studies, paving and establishing a road network, such as the Busaiteen Walkway,” he explained.
Mr Khalaf added that there were ongoing moves to provide facilities in tandem with new road developments, such as walkways and bike paths, in addition to engaging the private sector to invest in specific areas of garden projects.
A successful Garden Friends initiative has also enhanced community engagement with residents rallying to help preserve gardens and footpaths in their residential areas, as well as contributing to beautifying and maintaining the areas and using them to host events.
The ministry will also be conducting research and studies that would look at international experiences in design, construction and urban planning to ensure that ‘best practice’ plays an essential element when it comes to offering quality and competitive pricing of future projects.
“The Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Ministry, with the support of the government, pays great attention to public services and facilities, as part of the government’s commitment to providing the best services to citizens and residents that enhance the cultural appearance of the kingdom,” said Mr Khalaf.
The GDN previously reported that a study has been urged into the feasibility of setting up dedicated ‘wellness parks’ across the country.
Green spaces with paved trail for walking, jogging, and biking and fitness zones with equipment for children and adults alike could be the future, MPs have said, as countries across the globe continue to see a rise in lifestyle diseases.
Revamp
Parliament public utilities and environment affairs committee chairman Mohammed Buhamood has reportedly drawn up a plan for future public parks as he seeks to revamp what he believes are “outdated concepts”.
The former Northern Municipal Council chairman said current work methodology was not contributing to the development of such facilities.
All public parks, gardens and walkways come under the Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Ministry, but Mr Buhamood believes that the Health, and Youth and Sports Affairs Ministries should also be involved.
Another proposal to privatise facilities and offer them to investors, approved in August, is currently under study with the same parliamentary committee. It’s being spearheaded by Southern Municipal Council chairman Bader Al Tamimi, who believes that municipal facilities are draining vital government funds without bringing in any revenue.
Mr Al Tamimi also suggested that more than 100 facilities be handed over to Edamah, the government’s real-estate arm, to manage on behalf of the Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Ministry.
ghazi@gdn.com.bh
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