A BD2 million predicament!

By MOHAMMED AL A'ALI
MANAMA
COUNCILLORS were divided over the best way to spend a BD2 million increase in their budget. The money was allocated to the Manama Municipal Council by the government, but it still hasn't decided what to do with it.
Councillors discussed a number of proposals including the construction of five multi-purpose halls, an e-library, women's-only health clubs and centres for the elderly. Another idea was to use the cash to buy private lands and convert them into football pitches, parks or lease them to investors.
The issue has now been re-transferred to the council's services and public utilities committee, which will study the matter based on ideas from councillors.
Council chairman Murthada Bader said the issue should carefully be studied before any decision is taken.
"The money hasn't been transferred to us yet and until then we have a lot of time to think about the best way to use the money," he said.
Council technical committee and services and public utilities committee vice-chairman, Jaffar Al Qaidoom, believes the council should think about spending the money on promoting the Capital Governorate - rather than spending it on things that others are responsible for. "We should work hard to come up with better projects that take beautification into consideration," he said.
Mr Al Qaidoom thinks that developing the Corniche should be a priority.
"The place is one of the most visited in the governorate, but until today it hasn't seen anything - even with the council approving immediate renovations to it," he said.
"This money could be used as an addition to the previous allocated budget for the Corniche, which I believe is out-dated and requires more attention."
Mr Al Qaidoom said if the council did not consider his idea, they should look at the services and public utilities committee proposal - which is buying up private lands in good locations and then selling them to investors.
"This will ensure a long-term income to the Manama Municipality and instead of the BD2m given to us, it would become BD10m in a few years time," he said. "Land is the best asset today."