I. Headlines:
· 15 accused officials to face legal action for torture & maltreatment cases.
· Bahrain step up crisis response plans.
· 530 housing units to be built in the northern city as part of the first construction phase.
II. Political:
15 accused officials to face legal action for torture & maltreatment cases.
The Public Prosecution initiated legal proceedings against fifteen officials working at law enforcing agencies in the country yesterday. According to the Directorate, there are several alleged complaints of maltreatment, torture and highhandedness directed from different parts of society; hence investigations into these cases are on way. The Public Prosecution’s Special Investigation Unit’s head, Nawaf Abdullah Hamza, said that the Unit started its investigations by hearing testimonies from complainants and has already interrogated nine of them. He confirmed that three cases already were sent for forensic doctors in order to examine them, in addition to the questioning of sixteen witnesses which also took place.
III. Economic, Trade, Business:
Tenders Board receives BD1.18b tenders in 2011.
Minister of Housing, Mr. Bassem bin Yakoub Al-Hammar said that last year the tender board opened 1129 bids valued at BD1.077 billion and that 1769 projects were awarded in consideration for a total value of BD1.188 billion, pointing out that there has been increase in the number of projects awarded at 155% since 2003. The growth rate represents the current activity in the public sector projects. The government aimed at improving public utilities, developing infrastructures for significant sectors like: services, electricity, water, oil and gas, healthcare, housing, roads and bridges, aviation and other fileds.
Alba launches new safety initiative.
Aluminium Bahrain (Alba), has introduced a new safety initiative for contractors as part of its commitment to inculcate safety culture amongst its employees. According to Alba the new Contractors Safety Management (CSM) is part of the “AlbaSafeWay initiative” to achieve zero harm across the organisation. A top official said that the safety induction will be made mandatory for anyone entering Alba’s operational areas – including drivers and other personnel from contracting companies. Contracting companies that maintain a good safety record at Alba will be Alba’s preferred partners, the same official declared.
IV. Social, Culture, Tourism:
Bahrain step up crisis response plans.
Public Security chief Major-General Tariq Al-Hassan stated that Bahrain started stepping up its emergency response capabilities to ensure rescue workers can handle crises in the country's high-rise buildings. He said orders have been issued to modernize the Civil Defence fleet, allowing it to keep pace with industrial and urban development. Civil Defence Assistant Director-General Colonel Mohammed Showaiter said yesterday that cutting-edge equipment and giant cranes will be purchased as part of efforts to enhance readiness to deal with emergency cases. Civil Defence personnel are now undergoing specialist training in rescue operations at skyscrapers and multi-storey buildings.
530 housing units to be built in the northern city as part of the first construction phase.
Minister of Housing affairs, Mr. Bassim bin Yakoub AlHammer, announced yesterday that the preparations of the land allocated for the construction of 530 housing units, as part of the first phase of the northern city on island 14, is about to be completed. Four Bahraini contractors were selected to start the construction work by mid this month after a tender had been launched by the Housing Ministry, he revealed, pointing out that the northern city project is expected to contain 15,000 housing units.
V. Photo of the Day:
* Bahrain testing its emergency response capabilities to ensure rescue workers can handle crises in the country's high-rise buildings. 2nd June 2012 Al-Wasat.
Issued by:
Embassy of Malaysia,
MANAMA
3rd July 2012