Shura’s bold plan: Free home repairs for Bahrain’s neediest

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

A proposal to offer free home renovations and rebuilding for Bahrainis with no income will be voted on by the Shura Council this Sunday.

The plan aims to grant the Housing Ministry the authority to cover renovation and rebuilding costs for those unable to afford them, ensuring vulnerable citizens are not left living in unsafe conditions.

However, the government has raised concerns, arguing that the current housing support is sufficient.

Currently, the Housing Ministry provides homes and renovation loans to low-income citizens, but the loans must be repaid, and those without any income are excluded. The proposal seeks to waive this requirement for the most vulnerable citizens.

Proponents argue that the proposal aligns with Bahrain’s Constitution, which mandates the state to provide social security in cases of joblessness, disability, illness, old age, and orphanhood.

Shura members Redha Munfaridi, First Deputy Chairman Jamal Fakhro, Jumaa Al Kaabi, and Fouad Al Hajji have put the proposal forward.

In response, the Housing Ministry cited Law No. (1) of 2024, which already provides financial assistance for low-income Bahrainis. This law allows the ministry to offer homeownership, rental support, and funds for purchasing, building, or repairing homes. The ministry believes additional free renovations are unnecessary.

The Municipalities and Agriculture Ministry, which has managed home repairs for years, supports the Housing Ministry’s position, noting that many Bahrainis have already benefited from free home repairs through existing schemes.

Committee approves

Shura’s Public Utilities and Environment Committee has reviewed the proposal and approved its general direction, allowing for further debate.

The committee emphasized that if passed, the law would give the Housing Ministry the flexibility to set rules and conditions for free home repairs rather than imposing a rigid policy.

Since 2004, the government has assisted thousands of families with home repairs, either through renovation, rebuilding, or financial aid for repairs. Between 2004 and 2011, 2,700 homes were improved, while from 2011 to 2024, 8,080 families received financial aid for repairs.