ITHMAAR Development Company (IDC) has awarded the infrastructure works for the first phase of Dilmunia Island in Bahrain, marking a major milestone in the $1.6-billion project.

The infrastructure package awarded to Cebarco Bahrain, involves the construction of the 125-hectare island’s highways and roads, a distributor bridge across Dilmunia’s Grand Canal, landscaping and power, water, sewerage and drainage, and telecommunication networks.

The first phase of Dilmunia’s infrastructure is valued at $22.5 million and will take 24 months to be completed, but will enable the completion of various sub-developments within the same timeframe, meaning that end-users can be handed the keys to their units by mid-2015.

“We are proud to partner with Cebarco Bahrain, one of the largest and most reputable construction companies in the kingdom,” said IDC chief executive Mohammed Khalil Alsayed.

Cebarco Bahrain, part of KAR Group, is known for its work on the Formula One circuits in both Bahrain and Abu Dhabi, Bahrain City Centre and a number of infrastructure projects.

The contractor will be working closely with infrastructure designer Mott MacDonald and cost consultant DG Jones and Partners to deliver the services for the landmark project.

“The award of infrastructure work for Dilmunia signals a solid vote of confidence by developers and investors alike, on Bahrain’s immediate and long-term prospects,” said Alsayed.

Dilmunia is a mixed-use project built on a man-made island that has already come up off the coast of Muharraq. With a unique health and wellness anchor, Dilmunia will include residences, hotels, leisure and shopping districts, and provide residents and visitors with hospital facilities, spas and state-of-the-art wellness services in a resort-type environment.

“Dilmunia, and the uniqueness of its concept, continues to generate interest from potential end-users, sub-developers and operators alike. We look forward to a busy 2013 in which we will initiate further development on the island,” said Alsayed.