SFD Funds New Electricity and Water Station in Bahrain

The Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) participated in the inauguration of a new electricity and water distribution station in the Housing City of Al-Hidd, Bahrain, on September 29, 2024. The ceremony was attended by Bahrain’s Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, SFD CEO Sultan Abdulrahman Al-Marshad, and President of Bahrain’s Electricity and Water Authority (EWA) Eng. Kamal bin Ahmed Mohammed. The projects were funded through grants provided by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with approximately SAR250 million allocated to the electricity station and SAR70 million to the water station.

Context and Background

These projects mark a continuation of the longstanding developmental partnership between the Saudi Fund for Development and the Kingdom of Bahrain, which dates back to 1976. Over 48 years, SFD has financed 30 developmental projects and programs in Bahrain across key sectors including energy, transportation, and social infrastructure. This cooperation has been facilitated through development loans and grants from Saudi Arabia, contributing significantly to the growth of vital opportunities and supporting sustainable development in Bahrain.

Key Details of the Projects

The electricity station comprises three substations with a capacity of 48 megavolt-amperes (MVA) at 66 kV, along with high-voltage cables and various civil, mechanical, electrical, and electronic works. These include operational, control, and communication systems designed to supply housing units with 220 kV power. The water distribution station features the construction of two reinforced concrete ground tanks with a total capacity of 2.34 million gallons and is equipped with four pumps. These enhancements are expected to significantly improve essential energy and water services for residents of the Housing City of Al-Hidd.

Implications for Bahrain and the Region

The Deputy Prime Minister of Bahrain emphasized that these developmental projects represent a significant advancement in improving core infrastructure sectors. He highlighted EWA’s strategic plans to enhance electricity infrastructure across all regions, ensuring the sustainability of vital services and supporting various housing and urban development projects. SFD CEO Sultan Abdulrahman Al-Marshad praised the historical partnership, stating that this project is part of SFD’s support for numerous developmental initiatives in Bahrain, reaffirming the fund’s commitment to sustainable development in the country. The projects are expected to strengthen Bahrain’s energy and water security, supporting its broader economic development goals.

Vision 2030 Alignment

The inauguration of these facilities aligns closely with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which emphasizes regional cooperation, sustainable infrastructure development, and the strengthening of ties with neighboring Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states. By supporting key infrastructure projects in Bahrain, the Saudi Fund for Development demonstrates its role in promoting economic integration and stability across the region. These efforts not only benefit bilateral relations but also contribute to the broader goals of shared prosperity, energy security, and sustainable development that are central to the Vision 2030 framework for a stable and interconnected Gulf region.

20 Questions

Q1. What was the main event covered in the article?

A1. The inauguration of an electricity and water distribution station in the Housing City of Al-Hidd, Bahrain, with participation from the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) and Bahraini officials.

Q2. Who attended the inauguration ceremony?

A2. Deputy Prime Minister of Bahrain Sheikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, SFD CEO Sultan Abdulrahman Al-Marshad, and EWA President Eng. Kamal bin Ahmed Mohammed.

Q3. What is the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD)?

A3. SFD is a Saudi government agency that provides development loans and grants to support infrastructure and sustainable development projects in partner countries, including Bahrain.

Q4. How much funding did the electricity station receive from Saudi Arabia?

A4. The electricity station received approximately SAR250 million in grant funding from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Q5. How much funding was allocated to the water station?

A5. The water station received approximately SAR70 million in grant funding from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Q6. What components make up the electricity station?

A6. The station includes three substations with a capacity of 48 MVA at 66 kV, high-voltage cables, and civil, mechanical, electrical, and electronic systems for 220 kV power supply.

Q7. What components make up the water distribution station?

A7. The water station includes two reinforced concrete ground tanks with a total capacity of 2.34 million gallons and four pumps for efficient distribution.

Q8. How long has SFD been working with Bahrain?

A8. SFD has been engaged in developmental cooperation with Bahrain for 48 years, starting in 1976.

Q9. How many developmental projects has SFD financed in Bahrain?

A9. SFD has financed 30 developmental projects and programs in Bahrain across various sectors.

Q10. What sectors do SFD’s projects in Bahrain cover?

A10. The projects cover energy, transportation, and social infrastructure sectors, contributing to sustainable development and economic growth.

Q11. What did Bahrain’s Deputy Prime Minister say about the projects?

A11. He emphasized that these projects represent a significant advancement in improving core infrastructure sectors and supporting housing and urban development.

Q12. What is the Electricity and Water Authority (EWA) in Bahrain?

A12. EWA is Bahrain’s government authority responsible for electricity and water services, overseeing infrastructure projects to ensure sustainable vital services.

Q13. Why is this project important for residents of Al-Hidd?

A13. It enhances essential energy and water services, improving quality of life and supporting housing needs in the Housing City of Al-Hidd.

Q14. How does this project benefit Saudi-Bahraini relations?

A14. It strengthens bilateral ties through developmental cooperation, showcasing Saudi Arabia’s commitment to supporting Bahrain’s infrastructure and stability.

Q15. What type of funding did Saudi Arabia provide for these projects?

A15. The funding was provided as grants from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, managed by the Saudi Fund for Development.

Q16. What is the capacity of the water tanks at the new station?

A16. The two reinforced concrete ground tanks have a total capacity of 2.34 million gallons for water storage.

Q17. How many pumps are featured at the water station?

A17. The water distribution station features four pumps for efficient water distribution to residents.

Q18. What is Vision 2030’s role in this project?

A18. The project aligns with Vision 2030 by promoting regional cooperation, sustainable infrastructure, and economic integration in the Gulf region.

Q19. Who is the CEO of the Saudi Fund for Development?

A19. The CEO is Sultan Abdulrahman Al-Marshad, who attended the inauguration and praised the partnership with Bahrain.

Q20. What did SFD CEO Al-Marshad say about the partnership?

A20. He praised the longstanding developmental relationship since 1976 and reaffirmed SFD’s commitment to supporting sustainable development in Bahrain through grants and loans.

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