NEW categories of beneficiaries could become eligible for a waiver of, or a reduction in, municipal fees.
Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Minister Essam Khalaf told municipal councillors in writing that the issue was under consideration by the Cabinet’s Ministerial Committee for Legislative and Legal Affairs Committee.
It follows a proposal by the Southern Municipal Council to expand the list of beneficiaries beyond the current “Bahraini family” category.
The new categories are: Bahraini women married to expatriate men with or without children residing in Bahrain; widowed or divorced Bahraini women; unmarried Bahraini women above the age of 50; Bahraini men with more than one wife living in separate homes; and divorced Bahraini fathers with custody of their children.
“Before launching any legal procedures to amend the current rules we need to review the suggested categories, and the task has been given to a high ministerial committee to look into,” said Mr Khalaf.
“We are not against the concept of new categories, but we have to ensure that the beneficiaries fulfil the eligibility criteria.”
Earlier, Deputy Premier Jawad Al Arrayed told municipal officials in writing that Bahraini women married to expats could have their monthly municipal fees reduced or waived.
The humanitarian gesture is already available to Bahraini households, but women married to foreigners are excluded.
He outlined the new procedure in a letter to Mr Khalaf, which was also copied to municipal councils and the Capital Trustees Board.
“Such exemptions should be given on humanitarian grounds following a necessary social assessment,” stressed Mr Al Arrayed, who heads the committee assigned with the review.
“The rule is not open and it is limited on a case-by-case basis.”
One reason that Bahraini women married to foreigners have been excluded from the support is because their husbands are considered to be the head of the household.
However, expatriates are unable to apply.
Municipal rates are calculated at 10 per cent of monthly rent on a rental property, but deserving cases could see the payment reduced to between BD2 and BD14 as in the case of nationals’ homes or buildings intended for residential use.
The move should also apply to divorcees and widows who are seen on the same social level as Bahraini women married to expats, according to an explanation by a Cabinet legal adviser attached to Mr Al Arrayed’s letter.
Equality
Meanwhile, Southern Municipal Council chairman Bader Al Tamimi said the five new categories have been fairly chosen.
“Someone could be the head of the table as a man or woman, with or without a wife, single, married or divorced should they fall in line with what is acknowledged by society as a family or deserving individual,” he said.
“The concept of family has changed significantly over the years and even a Bahraini with multiple wives should be eligible if they live in different households.
“We want fairness and equality handed on the same level to all.”
mohammed@gdn.com.bh
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