NEW rules for labour accommodations are set to be introduced across Bahrain.
Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister Wael Al Mubarak told MPs in writing that the regulations were currently awaiting approvals from Bahrain’s three municipal councils – Northern, Southern and Muharraq – and the Capital Trustees Board.
Under the rules, each labourer should have a space of four metres in a room and the accommodation shouldn’t be partially used as a warehouse or a storage facility for any type of products.
“The structural state of the dwelling should be solid with special emergency exits, proper windows and doors and fire combat equipment in place,” said the minister.
“All electrical connections and wiring should be done in line with the highest safety standards.
“The accommodations should have abundant ventilation and lighting and kitchens and toilets should be set up according to set guidelines.”
Mr Al Mubarak explained that a municipal team headed by an official from each of Bahrain’s four governorates and aided by the General Directorate of Civil Defence, the Electricity and Water Authority and the Health Ministry would inspect the facilities and ensure all requirements are being met before lease permit is granted.
“Legal action will be taken against dwelling owners found violating the norms,” the minister said.
“Landlords and those planning to lease facilities for labour accommodations should ensure all requirements are met according to the new rules. The move aims to ensure the safety and welfare of workers.”
The minister revealed that 1,512 accommodations were inspected during the Covid-19 pandemic and violations corrected.
“Almost 95pc of the dwellings have been found to comply with the rules since then,” he added.
“We have a database of all approved accommodations provided to us by the Information and eGovernment Authority and any drop in standards at any of the facilities will be met with tough legal action.”
Mr Al Mubarak, who was responding to a question by MP Hamad Al Doy on safety rules at joint accommodations, said 242 dwellings under existing rules have seen minor violations corrected while 350 were working on the procedures.
“We have referred 52 per cent of all inspected accommodations until date to court for grave violations,” he said.
“Additional rules will help provide more suitable joint accommodations as strict action and rules would ensure safer living environments for workers.”
Meanwhile, Mr Al Mubarak said, in another written response to MP Lulwa Al Romaihi that a central market would be built in the new Khalifa Town.
“We have registered a 10,008sqm plot for the project and are planning to tender it to the private sector as we did with the current Muharraq Central Market and the Hamad Town Central Market under construction,” he explained.
“The target is to announce a winning bidder by the end of the second quarter of this year, with the awarded company given 18 months to complete the project. It will include a hypermarket, meat, fish, poultry, fruits and vegetables market and a traditional café.”
The minister will appear in person to give further feedback on the projects during the weekly session on Tuesday.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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