His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa issued Decree Law (17) of 2023 amending some provisions of Law (33) of 2006 regarding sanitation and surface water drainage, based on the proposal of the Prime Minister, and after the approval of the Cabinet.

Article 1

The definitions of (the Ministry), (the Minister), (surface water), and (notification) contained in Article (1) of (33) of 2006 regarding sanitation and surface water drainage, shall be replaced with the following definitions:

Ministry: The Ministry concerned with works affairs.

Minister: The Minister concerned with works affairs.

Surface water: rainwater and water that emerges above the surface of the earth due to natural factors or any other sources specified by the executive regulations.

Notification: Notifying the concerned party by electronic means or by registered mail with acknowledgment of receipt of any decision or action taken in accordance with the provisions of this law.

Article 2

The texts of Articles (16) and (17) of (33) of 2006 regarding sanitation and surface water drainage shall be replaced with the following texts:

Article (16): Penalties

a- Anyone who violates, causes, or permits a violation of any of the provisions of Articles (3) and (10) of this law shall be punished by imprisonment for a period not exceeding one month and a fine of not less than BHD1,000 and not exceeding BHD3,000 or one of these two penalties.

b- Anyone who violates any of the provisions of Articles (6) and (11) of this law shall be punished with a fine of not less than BHD200 and not more than BHD500.

c- Anyone who violates the conditions of the license granted to him in accordance with the provisions of this law shall be punished with a fine of not less than BHD500 and not more than BHD1,000.

Article (17):

Fees

a- A fee is imposed on submitting a license application and requesting amendment of its conditions in accordance with the provisions of Articles (4) and (5) Paragraph (B) of this law. Fees are also imposed on surface water drainage, the use of treated wastewater, and other sanitation services that are determined by an edict issued by the Minister.

b- The categories of service fees stipulated in Paragraph (A) of this Article, and the cases of their reduction, exemption, or abolition, shall be determined by an edict issued by the Minister after the approval of the Cabinet.

c- The first residence of a Bahraini citizen is excluded from the fees stipulated in Paragraph (A) of this Article.

d- The Prime Minister shall implement this decree, which shall come into effect from the date of its issuance, and it shall be published in the Official Gazette.

Source: Bahrain News Agency