Boosting affordable housing services for Bahraini citizens with limited income

TDT | Manama                                                    

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

The Shura Council approved yesterday amendments to the Kingdom of Bahrain’s housing law. The decision, made in the presence of Her Excellency Amina bint Ahmed Al Rumaihi, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning, marks a crucial step forward for the housing sector in the Kingdom.

The Council, during the session, thoroughly discussed the report presented by the Public Utilities and Environment Committee regarding the draft law amending Article (1) of Decree Law No. (10) of 1976, which pertains to housing regulations.

The proposed amendments were based on a draft law submitted by the Council of Representatives and aimed to provide clarity on the housing services offered by the Ministry of Housing to citizens with limited income.

Core objective

Shura Council member Ejlal Isa Bu Bshait, the rapporteur of the committee, emphasised the draft law’s core objective of defining the housing services in a clear and comprehensive manner.

The amendments empower the Minister of Housing to introduce additional services that cater specifically to citizens with limited income, ensuring affordable housing options for them. She further explained that the flexibility embedded within the draft law allows the Ministry of Housing to diversify its housing services using various approaches.

These approaches include ownership, rental options, financing for purchase, housing construction or rehabilitation, and the provision of housing vouchers. By incorporating these diverse methods, the Ministry aims to provide suitable housing options that align with the financial capabilities of citizens with limited income.

Additional authorization

The approved amendments also grant the Ministry of Housing additional authorization to establish new housing services through ministerial decisions, leveraging existing housing programmes.

This expansion of authority aims to meet the aspirations and needs of citizens, ultimately resolving the housing issue by providing immediate services without the need for waiting lists. With unanimous approval, the Council formally endorsed the draft law, which amends Article (1) of Decree Law No. (10) of 1976 regarding housing.

The legislation will now be forwarded to the Speaker of the Council of Representatives before being presented to His Royal Highness the Prime Minister for further preparations. Ultimately, the proposed amendments will be submitted to His Majesty the King for final consideration.