Industry experts converge on Bahrain for the 1st Underground Infrastructure Middle East Conference and Exhibition

The event, hosted by Bahrain's own Ministry of Works and held under the patronage of H.E. Eng. Fahmi bin Ali Al-Jowder, Minister of Works and the Minister in charge of Electricity and Water Authority, opened today (18th January 2010) at the Diplomat Radisson Hotel and will continue until tomorrow (19th January 2010) .

The two-day conference and exhibition represents the ideal networking platform for regional and international experts to share their knowledge, expertise and experiences with their peers from around the world. In addition, the exhibition provided the perfect venue for the latest technologies and methodologies in the field of underground services and sustainable infrastructure developments to be exhibited and discussed by those in attendance, .

This first gathering on underground infrastructure featured internationally renowned speakers and panellists who moderated and participated in discussion sessions over the two day conference. With a special focus on the Sanitary sector this year, the sessions covered all the relevant aspects of underground infrastructure and the latest concepts for sustainable economic development from new installations, utility tunneling, pipes and sewer rehabilitation to human resource development, asset management and standards and regulations. Topics such as water and gas distribution, district heating and cooling, telecommunications network, power grid, and transportation were also discussed.

At the opening session of the event held today, Mr. Nayef Omar Al-Kalali, Undersecretary of Public Works Affairs at the Ministry of Works, gave the keynote address highlighting the importance of event,

"The serious concerns about the impact of global warming; and rapid economic and population growth have increased the need for integral planning, better resources, and advanced technologies for providing sustainable cost-effective services of the highest quality. We are confident that this landmark event will address these challenges, and more, and will provide us with an ideal platform to share our experiences as a proponent for improved public-private partnerships, working to provide high-quality services for the betterment of the people of Bahrain."

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank the event organizers: the Euro Institute for Information and Technology Transfer in Environmental Protection and the Bahrain Society of Engineers, as well as ministry professionals, exhibitors, sponsors, participants and honorable guests for being present here today," added Mr. Al-Kalali.

Mr. Khalifa Al Mansoor, Assistant Undersecretary of Sanitary Engineering at the Ministry of Works, also gave an opening address, remarking that, "This event is in line with the Ministry's efforts extended by the Sanitary Affairs Sector at the Ministry, which is responsible for the creation of sanitary networks and the provision of all related services to the highest quality according to the National Strategic Plan."

"Although sanitary services are relatively new in Bahrain having only been around for approximately 30 years, we are happy to say that more than 91% of the population are connected to our network, and we are aspiring to connect the rest within the next 10 years. Currently, the average production of Treated Sewage Effluent is about 120,000 m³ per day, it is expected to rise to about 300,000 m³ per day by 2015. This achievement exceeds the natural replenishment of the ground water acquifer."

A. Majeed Al Gassab, President, Bahrain Society of Engineers, also delivered a speech in, which he said:" The Underground Infrastructure Middle East Conference and Exhibition brings together regional and international government bodies, authorities, consultants, construction and maintenance companies, and manufacturers under one roof to exchange their experiences and set the basis for tackling existing problems and for the implementation of new projects.

"I encourage the government authorities, Ministries, and developers to benefit from this opportunity, both to discuss and share information, trends and know-how at the conference and also to see the latest underground infrastructure technology as showcased in the exhibition which is being held in parallel with the conference, and benefit for this knowledge in planning and designing our forthcoming projects in the GCC region".

The Minsitry of Works provided a number of panellists and presenters to the conference, including Zubaida Al Hashimi, Director of Sanitary Engineering Planning and projects, Ebrahim Hassan Ali Al Hawaj, Director of Sanitary Engineering Operation & Maintenance Directorate, and Dominic McPolin, Chief of Central Planning Office, all of whom spoke to the Ministry of Works' successes and accomplishments in the area of underground infrastructure right here in the Kingdom of Bahrain.