"The septic tanks are overflowing and this causes sicknesses, pandemics and environmental damage.

"Children are falling sick from overflowing tanks and the villages stink of human waste, which is flooding the two areas and soaking into the ground where children play."

He said the problem existed because neither village was connected to a proper sewerage network.

He claimed children were suffering from skin infections and other diseases as a result of contaminated land - which he said was covered with a "green stinky layer".

"The villages are still not included in the main sewerage system and the tanks cannot cope with the increasing population, as more people move into the area and families expand," he said.

"The ground is covered with a green stinky layer, which makes it difficult for anyone to walk from his house to his car without vomiting or feeling sick.

"Rashes have started appearing on children's hands and bodies and many others have started suffering from other complications.

Complications

"We are trying our best to clean the villages, but the problem is septic tanks will always flood."

The councillor called on the government to take action and warned that villagers could not wait any longer.

"The two villages can't wait any longer - unless the government wants to take the blame for more people getting sick," he said.

"Both areas are in an appalling condition and unless the government builds a sewerage network, any solutions are temporary and will solve nothing."

He said he suspected budget limitations at the Works Ministry were responsible for delaying a new sewerage system. "As a council we demand the government speed up the project and provide comfort to citizens," said Mr Al Mousawi. "This is all caused because the ministry's budget is too small, which means some projects are stopped." Officials from the Health Ministry and Jidhafs Health Centre could not be reached for comment. rasha@gdn.com.bh ]]>

The team held New Zealand to a 0-0 draw last month and only needed a score draw to qualify for the tournament, being staged in South Africa next year.

Zain e-Marketing Project Manager Ali Sabkar blamed Bahrain's coach Milan Macala for the defeat, saying he did not make his substitutions at the right time.

"Also, the players were not giving it all they've got," he said.

"This was a game that could have taken them to history books."

Mr Sabkar said the team appeared to repeat the same mistakes it did when Trinidad and Tobago won 2-1 on aggregate over two World Cup play-off games in 2005.

"We already bought flags and were going to hit the streets and blast music in celebration," said a Bahraini supporter who wished to be identified only as Rana.

"I was sure our team would make it as the New Zealand team is not strong."

Her friend Reem, whose brothers travelled to Wellington for the game, said fans should still give the team a hero's welcome when they arrive home.

Achievement

"I think they have given it all they can and I thank them for their achievement," she said.

Saud Al Ansari had booked annual leave so he could celebrate Bahrain's qualification and was very confident of victory before the game.

"Sadly, I think I will have to cancel my leave now," he said.

The 26-year-old Zain branch team leader believes the team needs to be freshened up, saying many of the players were too old.

"The team needs youngsters to win, hopefully we will nail it and make it to the next World Cup," he said.

Expatriates seemed to be just as upset as Bahrainis at the result.

"Bahrain's team is solid, they just need to build a foundation," said NYIT Bahrain dean of students Reginald Braggs, a resident of five years.

"If they keep practising and work hard they can definitely make it to the World Cup."

The American, 44, said although he was sad Bahrain lost, he was pleased the team played their part in a thrilling end-to-end game.

"They played well and it was not lack of effort on their part," he said.

American Hassan Miah, chief executive officer of Ur Filez, said Bahrainis should be proud of the fact that the team made it as far as a play-off.

"This game just gave them recognition and exposure while the world is watching," he said. "It gives the world an insight into Bahrain and their devoted football team." basma@gdn.com.bh Joy of victory ... agony of defeat - 38-39 Darkness at noon - Back Page]]>

Other MPs were accused of grabbing up to five trips in a year for conferences or fact-finding missions, while others got none.

Mr Al Dhahrani said Dr Abdulrahman was a member of the preparatory committee of the newly set up Arab Parliament, which meant frequent travel to Cairo, Egypt, to draw up by-laws.

He said the 18 trips were all on official business, while other personal trips made by Dr Abdulrahman were at his own expense.

"It is not right to determine trips by numbers rather than need," said Mr Al Dhahrani, who also chairs the parliamentary executive committee, which selects MPs and Shura Council members for participation in events abroad.

"Someone may go once during his years in parliament, while others may go seven times. It all depends on whether the selected MP or Shura Council member will benefit his committee with what he has learned or exchanged.

"In the end, official representation is not a familiarisation trip, it is work."

MPs and Shura Council members receive BD300 a day in overseas travel allowances for official trips, on top of their fares and hotel bills being paid for them - either by parliament or the foreign hosts. alaali@gdn.com.bh ]]>

Bahrain came agonisingly close to glory after missing a second half penalty and having a goal disallowed with only two minutes to go.

The team only needed a score draw to make history and become the smallest country to qualify for next year's World Cup in South Africa after a 0-0 draw in Riffa last month.

But they lost the chance and with it a $10 million (BD37.8m) windfall for making it to the event.

It is the second time Bahrain has lost a play-off game for the world's biggest sporting event after Trinidad and Tobago won 2-1 on aggregate over two games in 2005.

Around 1,000 fans from Bahrain and the Gulf had travelled to New Zealand to cheer on the team, including Arabs living in nearby Australia, and were part of a record 35,100 crowd at the Westpac Stadium. ]]>

Bahrain came agonisingly close to glory after missing a second half penalty and having a goal disallowed with only two minutes to go.

The team only needed a score draw to make history and become the smallest country to qualify for next year's World Cup in South Africa after a 0-0 draw in Riffa last month.

But they lost the chance and with it a $10 million (BD37.8m) windfall for making it to the event.

It is the second time Bahrain has lost a play-off game for the world's biggest sporting event after Trinidad and Tobago won 2-1 on aggregate over two games in 2005.

Around 1,000 fans from Bahrain and the Gulf had travelled to New Zealand to cheer on the team, including Arabs living in nearby Australia, and were part of a record 35,100 crowd at the Westpac Stadium. ]]>

It is being organised by Auto Collection and event organiser Warren Stalls and sponsored by Harley Davidson.

The festival will feature 26 DJs, including 16 from Ibiza's famous clubs like Amnesia, Space and Pacha and others from Bahrain and the Gulf.

Mr Stalls said officials expected a minimum of 4,500 people at the event over three days.

"We feel that it is going to be the biggest event in Bahrain and that it will be successful," he said.

He was speaking at a Press conference at the Virgin megastore in Bahrain City Centre mall yesterday.

"This is undoubtedly the biggest concert in the kingdom this year and we want to break all records," said Auto Collection chief executive officer Wassim Sami Farhoud.

"It is set to witness a five-star set-up the first time ever in Bahrain and we will rock the kingdom non-stop for three days."

He said Bahrain loved its beaches and for its people beaches and seaside outings were common. "We intend to make this favourite pastime of people much bigger, more fun-filled and extremely eclectic.

"A healthy dose of music spanning all genres, including dub step, roots, reggae, mash up, basement and dancehall vibrations, will keep the party rocking."

He said the event would also feature beach games, including volleyball and foosball.

The festival will run from 10am to 2am on November 27, 29 and 30 - if Eid falls on those dates. Tickets will be BD15 for a one-day and BD25 for a three-day pass and BD25 for a one-day VIP and BD60 for a three-day VIP pass.

They are on sale at the Virgin. For more information, call 36881122. rasha @gdn.com.bh ]]>

The consultant surgeon was speaking as countries around the world marked the annual World Diabetic Day.

"This is just another occasion to remind the people, particularly diabetics, that they should routinely go in for a dilated eye exam to help prevent vision loss," Dr Alomran told the GDN.

"We as specialists, need to create awareness so that people are encouraged to take the test.

"As ophthalmologists, we are also concerned that the increase in Type 2 diabetes cases at younger ages could mean a younger generation suffering from a vision-threatening disease in the prime of their lives," the consultant surgeon stressed.

Dr Alomran said one of the major health issues today is the explosion in the incidence of Type 2 diabetes, which has affected more than 250 million people worldwide.

"The impact of the pandemic will be particularly felt in the Middle East, Asia and South America by 2025, as the majority of new cases will occur in these regions."

Dr Alomran also stressed that there had to be closer co-ordination between the private and public sectors to make awareness campaigns a success.

"The situation is compounded by the fact that it is not only genetic predisposition that is the culprit, but also the people themselves who are unwilling or unable to modify their lifestyles," Dr Alomran added.

World Diabetes Day was created by International Diabetes Federation and World Health Organisation in 1991.

"Diabetes affects the eyes and causes various complications such as diabetic retinopathy, vein blockage, optic nerve inflammation, cataract and glaucoma," said Dr Alomran.

"Diabetic retinopathy is the most common complication and leading cause of blindness in adult age group.

"It is due to the damage to the blood vessels of the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye, corresponding to the film in the camera (called retina).

"These damaged vessels leak fluid in the retina or sometimes are blocked, causing decreased nourishment to the retinal tissues and leading to formation of new fragile vessels on the surface of the retina."

According to Dr Alomran, there are often no symptoms in the early stages of the disease.

"We usually say don't wait for symptoms, be sure to have a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year," he said.

"During late stages of the disease symptoms of diabetic retinopathy include seeing spots or floaters in the field of vision, blurred vision, having a dark or empty spot in the centre of the vision and difficulty seeing well at night," the consultant surgeon said.

Dr Alomran said early detection of diabetic retinopathy is the best way to prevent loss of vision. "If you have diabetes, see your eye doctor for an annual dilated eye exam, even if your vision seems fine."

Dr Alomran said the longer a person had diabetes, the greater the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy.

However, he said all studies showed with certain steps one can slow down the progression of the disease or prevent it. mandeep@gdn.com.bh ]]>

This means a reprieve to the only places selling alcohol in the governorate - Bahrain International Airport, Bahrain Duty Free and Mšvenpick Hotel.

The Muharraq Municipal Council had earlier proposed to turn Muharraq into an alcohol-free zone, which has now been rejected by the Municipalities and Agriculture Affairs Ministry.

The ministry said that existing places were operating in line with existing laws that regulate the tourism industry.

However, councillors said that the decision does not say anything about not granting licences to new applications for alcohol sales.

Last month, councillors voted in favour of the blanket ban, including existing outlets, in a closed meeting.

"Even if we can't get existing outlets to stop serving or selling alcohol, at least we can stop anyone in future from having such a licence," said council chairman Mohammed Hammada.

"Now we know that existing places couldn't be touched, but that doesn't mean that future ones should not as well.

"Until alcohol is completely banned in the country through a law approved by parliament and the Shura Council, the three outlets will continue to operate. But there will be no place for future licences here, considering that we have the power to decide what is allowed in our governorate and what's not."

Councillor Sameer Khadim, who presented the proposal last month, said that he had to include existing outlets to ensure that new applicants had no excuse that others were doing the same.

He said that he was trying to have Muharraq lead by example and banning alcohol was a clear message that it promoted a Muslim society and respected its principles.

MPs voted during a session in May for a blanket ban on public sales of alcohol at Bahrain's hotels, restaurants, clubs and off-licences. However, they agreed to allow consumption in private homes, with suppliers providing home delivery.

Hotel guests would be allowed alcohol only in their rooms under the proposal.

MPs had already voted earlier to ban alcohol sales at Bahrain International Airport, including in the duty free shops and on Gulf Air flights.

The proposal is now being studied by the Cabinet.

alaali@gdn.com.bh

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It is held under the theme: The next generation human capital development. Organisers are SMR Gulf and Bahrain Society for Training and Development (BSTD), along with Asia HRD Congress.

This event is supported by Tamkeen, Economic Development Board (EDB), the Bahrain Institute of Public Administration and others. Speakers from Bahrain and the region include Works Minster Fahmi Al Jowder, EDB chief operating officer Kamal Ahmed, former Malaysian Tourism Minister Abdul Kadir Sheikh Fadzir and SMR Group Malaysia chairman and chief executive officer Dr R Palan. "This conference offers an exciting blend of Asian and Arab experiences and expertise in the development and management of human capital," noted BSTD president Hussain Ismail. For more information contact the BSTD on 17825518. ]]>