MPs Set to Vote on Increasing Water Subsidy for Bahraini Families with Six or More Members

TDT | Manama
Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

Parliament will vote next Tuesday on a proposal to increase water subsidies for Bahraini families with six or more members.

The revised plan aims to raise the subsidised water quota to 100 cubic metres at a reduced rate of 25 fils per cubic metre. Under the new proposal, an 80 fils tariff would apply to water usage between 101 and 150 cubic metres, while anything above that would be charged at 200 fils per cubic metre.

The plan, aimed at easing financial pressures on larger households, builds on an earlier version submitted in December 2023, which was amended to focus on single-family households with six or more members, making the plan more targeted and workable.

Financial Pressures

MP Mohammed Yousif Al Marifi, who originally proposed the change, described it as a necessary step to ease financial pressures on citizens. "This measure aims to lighten the load on families by increasing the support available for domestic water use," Al Marifi said.

However, some MPs have raised concerns, warning of potential financial and environmental risks. They pointed out that water subsidies continue to rise while consumer tariffs remain unchanged. The Ministry of Electricity and Water Affairs had previously warned that the consumption of water continues to increase, which strains resources further.

Concerns

The Ministry also flagged the potential for overuse, cautioning that increasing the subsidised quota could encourage wasteful consumption. This could further deplete resources like natural gas and put pressure on the environment.

Initially, the proposal sought to increase the subsidised water quota for all households, but it was amended to target larger households specifically, making it a more focused and effective measure. The revised proposal aims to balance the need for relief for larger families while addressing concerns about waste and resource depletion.

Relief Measures

In response to claims of insufficient support for larger households, the Ministry pointed to existing relief measures. Families classified as low-income by the Ministry of Social Development already receive financial assistance for electricity and water bills, ranging from BD10 to BD20.

Last year, electricity and water subsidies amounted to BD243 million, with BD85 million allocated to water subsidies alone.

Next Steps

The proposal is now set to be discussed in Parliament next week, where MPs will decide whether to press ahead with the changes. The Public Utilities and Environment Committee has urged MPs to back the revised proposal, arguing that it addresses public concerns and provides essential support for larger Bahraini families grappling with mounting costs.