Bahraini.TV

Fountain is new coastal landmark

by mahmood on 26/02/06 at 8:15 pm · email  · print  

A 123-meter high water fountain in the sea off Al Fateh corniche, north of Juffair coast, was opened in a ceremony yesterday (Feb 25th, 2006). The ceremony, which featured fireworks and music by the Interior Ministry band, was held under the patronage of Deputy Premier for Ministry Committees’ Affairs Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa. The event also featured an air show by three F16 planes from the Royal Air Force.

A number of ministers, dignitaries, senior government officials and guests attended the event organised by the Works and Housing Ministry. The fountain was built on the directives of His Majesty King Hamad for the people of Bahrain.

The fountain, which is similar in height to the renowned Jet D’Eau in Geneva, has a main jet that will spray more than 285,969 gallons of water per hour at an exit velocity of 142mph, and 40 smaller jets providing a ring of water about eight metres high surrounding the main jet.

Its mechanism is contained in a barge, securely anchored to the seabed with several very heavy anchors measuring 132.25 metres and weighing 300 tonnes and brought to Bahrain on board a special heavy lift ship.

Two powerful pumps are used to deliver water through a nozzle especially designed to achieve the desired height.

Operation of the fountain is automatic and includes a control system that will limit operation in case of adverse sea conditions of high winds.

The fountain was designed and manufactured in Germany, Holland and the UK.
GDN