MPs call for probe into housing delays

TDT | Manama

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Long housing waitlists and patchy government schemes are under the parliamentary microscope, with MPs calling for a full probe into how the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning handles its housing policies and programmes.

MPs Mohammed Mousa, Hisham Al Awadhi, Zainab Abdulameer, Khalid Buanaq, Bader Al Tamimi, Iman Shuwaiter, Mohammed Al Olaiwi, and Mahmood Fardan have formally requested the formation of a parliamentary inquiry committee to scrutinise the ministry’s approach to housing distribution, investment efforts, and loan interest practices.

The investigation will focus on six key areas.

Criteria

First, it will assess whether housing units are distributed fairly among citizens and whether the criteria used by the ministry to allocate homes to those on waiting lists are reasonable and transparent.

Second, the committee will examine how well the Mazaya and Tas’heel schemes are meeting the housing needs of Bahrainis and whether they are making any real dent in the lengthy waiting lists faced by hopeful homeowners.

Third, the inquiry will dig into how the ministry manages housing plot applications from citizens that remain unresolved to this day.

Progress

Fourth, attention will be given to the ministry’s progress in developing new housing projects, particularly in Madinat Salman, Khalifa, East Sitra, East Hidd, and Al Ramli, as well as the expected timelines for their completion.

Fifth, the probe will evaluate the ministry’s strategy for attracting investment and working with private developers to expand housing options.

Lastly, the inquiry will look into whether interest rates charged on housing loans and services are lawful and calculated fairly, ensuring they comply with existing rules and regulations.