Sewerage networks upgrade across Bahrain

Based on the Sanitary Engineering Strategic Plan 2009 recommendations; necessitating the rehabilitation of sewerage networks in Bahrain, the Ministry of Works (MoW) has put in place this project, which is considered to be the first part of its future projects in this regard. The rehabilitation of sewerage networks commenced in 2010, starting in Manama and Muharraq due to the deteriorated networks in these 2 Governorates. Phase 1 of the BD25 million strategic project was planned for completion within 5 years for all old areas in Bahrain. The rehabilitation program will continue to take place in accordance to surveys conducted in order to determine the nature of problems and defects in the network; using the CCTV tests. Even though the sanitary system in Bahrain goes back to 30 years only, there exists the problem of surface water infiltration by 50%, which is negatively affecting the performance of the network. According to the sanitary sector’s plan, the infiltration will decrease to 35% by year 2015, therefore contributing to reducing the amount of flow to pumping stations and also reducing overflow to the sea in emergencies. According to Sanitary Engineering Planning & Projects Director Asma Murad, Phase 1 of rehabilitation works depends on the plan generated from BD1,037,100 surveys and CCTV tests conducted on sewerage connections in 2010/2011 in all old areas in Bahrain; covering 152,000m long pipelines with diameters varying between 150-600mm. ‘Priorities were then organized according to the percentage of damages in the networks and connections in general and the total number of connections in sub-networks; therefore determining the overall damages in the main network. All this takes into account the need for expansion works in networks, the possibility of connecting housing projects and future private sector projects, and the objectives of Bahrain Economic Vision 2030,’ she said. Since 2010, 12,300m long sewerage connections have been rehabilitated in urgent works that took place in different areas in Manama, Muharraq and Al Jasra. Works were conducted using techniques known as ‘Calibrated Pipe Bursting Cure In Place Pipe and Pipe bursting Techniques’. By the end of 2012, work commenced in the third sewerage networks rehabilitation project that took place in Arad, Hidd and Gudaibiya. Work is expected to complete by the end of 2013. The project includes upgrading 15,059m long connections with various diameters. The Ministry of Works will invite bids for the remaining works of phase 1 of the rehabilitation works in Manama and Muharraq and other Governorates in Bahrain within the next few months. The total length of connections planned for rehabilitation is 64,550m.