The $US17 million project involves the upgrade of 1.46 km of sewer pipes, with diameters of 500–700 mm, in the capital of Manama. German trenchless specialist Frisch & Faust Tiefbau GmbH has been contracted to complete the repairs.

The operational capacity of the sewage system, which dates from the 1980s, had been significantly reduced by leakage problems and accumulation of the solid litter, necessitating extensive repairs. In the Zubara Avenue area, the sewers were struggling to cope with the increased flow produced by a rapidly growing population.

Works Minister Fahmi Al Jowder said “The network is extremely old, over-used and not able to handle the present requirements. We are aware there are grave problems in the area because underground water leaks into the network and causes flooding.”

Frisch & Faust are repairing the system using a technique known as robotic rehabilitation, in which robots are used to repair and reline existing pipes.

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Work on the upgrade commenced in late March, and is expected to take five months to complete.

The sewer project forms part of the Strategic Plan for Developing Sanitary Services, and is one of a number of recently commenced projects which will upgrade existing infrastructure in Bahrain.