No infrastructure, no subdivision

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com   

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning has issued a decree prohibiting land subdivision in areas lacking infrastructure within Bahrain’s villages and cities.

This temporary ban, outlined in Decision No. 788 of 2024, amends certain provisions of the Executive Regulations of Decree-Law No. 3 of 1994 concerning the subdivision of lands designated for urban development.

The decision states that subdivision within any area is prohibited if it lacks infrastructure, has incomplete infrastructure, or if the existing infrastructure’s capacity does not align with the proposed subdivision.

This ban remains in effect until the reason for the prohibition is resolved.

Timeframe

The ban can be lifted if the landowner undertakes the necessary infrastructure development at their own expense within a timeframe set by the Minister.

This timeframe can be extended upon recommendation from the CEO of the Housing Authority.

Landowners are required to provide a notarized statement confirming their commitment to infrastructure development at their own expense.

Additionally, they must provide another notarised statement confirming that they will not lease, sell, or dispose of any land within the subdivision before the completion of infrastructure works.

Guarantee

Landowners who wish to dispose of any land before the completion of infrastructure works must provide a guarantee to the Housing Authority ensuring the completion of these works.

They can dispose of a portion of the subdivided land, but the total value of the disposed land cannot exceed the total construction cost plus 5% of that cost.

The Housing Authority, upon recommendation from the CEO, will determine the number of plots that can be disposed of, subject to the Minister’s approval. This approval will specify the plots that can be disposed of.