Transparency Strategy: MPs Seek Clarity from Housing Ministry on Project Performance and Delays

TDT | Manama
Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

Parliament is scrutinizing the Housing Ministry with questions regarding its performance, focusing on fairness in housing allocations, delays in major projects, and the effectiveness of its housing schemes.

Led by MP Mohammed Mousa Al Balushi, the investigation aims to address long-standing concerns, including unfulfilled land plot applications, interest rates on housing loans, and the role of private sector partnerships.

The committee outlined its approach in a recent meeting, drawing on past parliamentary findings, government responses, and reports from the Financial and Administrative Audit Bureau.

Focus
Key areas of focus include whether the distribution of housing units is fair across all governorates and how well programs such as ‘Mazaya’ and ‘Tas’heel’ have managed rising demand and long waiting lists.

Attention has also been directed to major housing projects like Salman City, Khalifa City, East Sitra, East Hidd, and Al Ramli Suburb, with the committee seeking to clarify timelines for their completion. The ministry's dealings with private companies to find housing solutions and the legality of interest rates on housing loans are also under investigation.

Questions
MP Al Balushi confirmed that approved questions will be sent to the ministry on Wednesday, 29 January, following internal discussions.

The Minister of Housing and Urban Planning, Her Excellency Amna bint Ahmed Al Romaihi, has been asked to attend a meeting on the same day to provide answers and discuss the investigation’s key areas.

The committee has scheduled a visit to the Housing Ministry’s headquarters on Sunday, 2 February, to observe how processes are carried out.

Site Visits
This will be followed by site visits to housing developments still under construction to check on their progress.

In a move to ensure transparency, the committee will make the submitted questions public.