Quarry closure to drive up building costs further

TDT | Manama

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A group of parliamentarians, led by MP Hassan Ebrahim and First Deputy Speaker Abdulnabi Salman, is calling for an urgent debate on the soaring construction costs and looming material shortages, and their potential impact on housing projects and development plans in Bahrain.

The call comes as the country faces the imminent closure of its only quarry by the end of 2025, a move that threatens to exacerbate the supply of essential materials for construction.

MPs are urging the government to present a clear strategy for securing alternative sources of materials, including strengthening ties with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) neighbours and expanding local production capabilities.

Lawmakers have expressed concern that the rising costs of construction materials have already led to delays in both housing and infrastructure projects, putting significant pressure on public and private sector initiatives. They are demanding detailed answers regarding financial measures the government plans to introduce to alleviate these pressures and ensure the continuation of critical projects.

In addition, MPs are calling for a review of the regulations governing the construction materials sector, emphasizing the need for updates to ensure its sustainability and resilience. Reducing reliance on the island’s sole quarry is seen as crucial to preventing further disruptions and maintaining steady progress in addressing the country’s housing and development needs.

The formal request has been submitted to Speaker Ahmed bin Salman Al Musallam, with MP Hassan Ebrahim and First Deputy Speaker Abdulnabi Salman spearheading efforts to bring this issue to the parliamentary floor. Citing constitutional provisions, the MPs have called for this matter to be prioritised in the upcoming sessions.