MANAMA: Bahrain has approved 674 new infrastructure projects this year, it was revealed yesterday.The projects, worth BD640 million, are part of plans for major urban development with improved sustainable infrastructure.

The updated statistics were released as His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa chaired the weekly Cabinet meeting at Gudaibiya Palace.

The projects include hotels, buildings and residential properties, Municipalities and Urban Planning Affairs Minister Dr Juma Al Ka’abi told the session.

Separately, the Premier directed officials to improve services to further cut delays at King Fahad Causeway.

The Cabinet also thanked the Saudi leadership for its co-operation to streamline the movement of commodities and passengers via the causeway.

The Cabinet was also briefed by Health Minister Sadiq Al Shehabi on preventive steps taken to ensure Bahrain remains free of the Ebola virus and the safety of Haj pilgrims.