Bahrain blackout prompts power review from PM

RELATED ARTICLES: Oman power authority issues $110m in contracts | Bahrain World Heritage project hits land sale snag | US$1.6bn Saudi power contract for Mott MacDonald

Bahrain’s prime minister yesterday demanded the Kingdom build more power stations and strengthen its national power grid after residents endured a 34-hour power cut.

Prince Khalifa ibn Salman Al Khalifa urged Bahrain’s Electricity and Water Authority (EWA), along with the Agriculture Affairs Ministry, to find a speedy solution to the problem that hit 1800 homes in Isa Town, near the centre of capital Manama, on Sunday at around 6pm. Power was finally restored yesterday afternoon.

Central Municipal Councillor Adnan Al Malki told local reporters that EWA workers had fixed an underground cable that had caused the problem. However, he said that he wasn’t sure how permanent the solution was.

"I hope the EWA would find a permanent solution by replacing all cables and putting a strategic plan for next year,” he said.

Prince Khalifa yesterday ordered a thorough technical study of the problems to eradicate them and to exert all efforts to conduct the necessary investigations and inspections.