A MAJOR housing law formulated more than four decades ago could be overhauled to keep pace with rapid changes in population and strides in development.
MP Mohammed Al Maarafi revealed that he is preparing an integrated housing law, which would be an alternative to the 47-year-old legislation which has only undergone minor changes since its inception.
He said the revamp was essential owing to ‘a large legislative vacuum that makes it difficult to properly deal with the housing file in terms of oversight and legislation’.
The first step, according to Mr Al Maarafi, is to add an additional article in the 1976 Housing Law which breaks down the categories of beneficiaries based on income in relation to housing unit or plot size.
“The Housing Ministry undertakes the allocation of plots for citizens, and their sizes vary depending on the monthly income of the applicant,” said Mr Al Maarafi in his written proposal.
“This means, a 300sqm plot of land is for those whose income doesn’t exceed BD1,200 and a 400sqm plot of land is for those whose income exceeds BD1,200.
“However, I believe, it should be permissible to combine the services of obtaining a plot of land and that of securing loans for citizens, for the purpose of building new homes.”
The GDN previously reported that the Cabinet approved a proposal to increase the paid-up capital of Eskan Bank to BD250 million to implement new housing financing programmes.
His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, had previously ordered the allocation of an additional budget for financing solutions and alternative options for those who have applied for housing units in 2004 and before.
The move is in line with ongoing co-ordination with the legislative branch to provide integrated housing solutions and services to Bahraini citizens.
Bahrain has an estimated population of 1,504,365 with 719,333 nationals and 785,032 expatriates, based on a survey in 2021, and it is projected to increase to 2.128m in 2030, according to the Information Affairs Ministry.
“The family is the foundation of society and its pillars are religion, morals and patriotism,” said Mr Al Maarafi.
“The new legislation preserves its legal entity, strengthens bonds and values, protects motherhood and childhood under its umbrella as well as nurtures the youth while protecting them from exploitation.
“It also aims to protect them from moral, physical and spiritual neglect as it is mentioned in the constitution that the ‘state shall endeavour to provide housing for citizens with limited income’.
“It is the duty of the legislative authority to review legislation from time to time and amend what needs to be amended, according to the changing circumstances. Especially those legislations that are related directly to the basic components of society.”
Mr Al Maarafi has submitted the written proposal to Parliament Speaker Ahmed Al Musallam.
The GDN reported in May that thousands of new government homes and residential plots are set to be given to Bahraini families by the end of 2026.
Housing and Urban Planning Minister Amna Al Romaihi had told MPs in writing that requests for homes have reached 53,262 and 1,800 for residential plots.
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