Premier chairs Cabinet, directs to disburse annual increment

Manama, Jan. 23 (BNA): His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa has directed to suspend circular 3/2017, and disburse the annual increment starting January 2017, in line with the directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to ensure that the rationalisation of expenditure procedures are based on consensus between the executive and legislative branches. Chairing the regular weekly Cabinet session at the Gudaibiya Palace today, HRH the Prime Minister also gave directives to ensure that the ministers’ trips abroad and participation in external conferences and meetings should be minimised and for urgent necessity, stressing their participation should be confined to the events approved by the Council of Ministers. The move is aimed at rationalising expenditure and cutting government spending, Cabinet Secretary-General Dr. Yaser bin Essa Al-Nasser said in a post-session statement. HRH the Prime Minister lauded the role of fine arts and their expos in enriching the cultural sector, showcasing artistic talent and preserving the creative works of pioneering artists. He praised, in this regard, the 43rd Bahrain Fine Arts Exhibition which he patronised recently, and its role in boosting fine art, in particular, and the cultural movement in the country, in general. The Prime Minister then gave instructions to re-structure leases at the Isa Town traditional Market commensurate with the nature of activities there, and requested the Ministry of Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning to tighten control to ensure that the rental of these shops is in accordance with their activities and consistent with the regulations in force in order to prevent violations. On development, the Prime Minister directed to carry on efforts to achieve comprehensive development, as well as to expand infrastructure projects and finalise them according to schedule, as per the Government Action Plan. In this context, the session reviewed a memorandum presented by the Minister of Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning on the roads, sanitation and construction projects that had been awarded or tendered during 2016. The report showed that 74 tenders, worth BD 55 million, had been awarded, and 98 projects, valued at BD 97 million, had been put out to tender. HRH the Prime Minister also directed to continue streamlining procedures, facilitating obtaining permits and approving urban plans to push forward comprehensive development in the kingdom, stressing the need to carry on efforts to consolidate the investment climate and urban growth and attract capitals, as well as to remove obstacles hindering investment projects which, he said, should be given special importance. The Premier was commenting on a report presented by the Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Minister on the construction permits and the development movement in 2016 compared with 2015. The report indicted an increase in investment construction permits y 36 percent. It also showed that the average permit was issued within 26 work days in 2016, compared to 115 in 2015. The issued licenses have contributed to providing areas required for urban, economic and service growth by 5.6 million square metres, the Cabinet was told. The report also showed an increase in the permits issued for non-investment construction by 3.6 percent. HRH the Prime Minister commended the efforts exerted by the Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Minister and all the relevant departments at his Ministry to achieve outstanding and high rates that have contributed to boosting the national economy and implementing the Government Action Plan in this regard. The session reviewed a draft law proposed by the Council of Representatives on cancelling Article 353 of the Penal Code promulgated by Decree-Law 15/1976. The bill was referred to the Representatives Council, along with the government’s opinion. The Cabinet endorsed a proposal on establishing a mini central market in Isa Town, which is consistent with the government’s plans to spread mini markets across residential areas. The session also discussed a proposal submitted by the Council of Representatives pertaining to the children of low-income families in kindergarten and took the appropriate decision on it.