NEW rules for the purchase of government-owned strips of land between homes could be implemented in Bahrain.
The Southern Municipal Council has unanimously approved a proposal by chairman Abdulla Abdullatif to grant strips that are less than 50sqm for free, while selling strips bigger in size for lower than the market price.
He said that the move would help many families to expand their homes to accommodate an increasing number of family members, or make space for growing children.
“The Housing and Urban Planning Ministry has already started granting strips of land, between homes in new social housing residential areas and towns that are not intended for any future infrastructure, for free to residents,” said Mr Abdullatif.
“The 50sqm space could accommodate a room with a toilet.”
Northern Municipal Council vice-chairwoman Zaina Jassim pointed out there have been several complaints of disputes between neighbours, with one of them buying a land strip only to find the other continuing to use it despite the sale.
“Corridors between homes should be left the way they are – for citizens to use as passages. They are intended to avoid joining homes at the walls while also remaining as emergency exits between the properties.
“If the size of the land is small, it can also be used as green spaces between homes without creating problems between neighbours.”
She said new rules were vital to avoid allegations of favouritism.
“If two citizens want to possess the same strip of land, the specialised government strips review committee could choose an owner. We need to know the criteria they rely on to favour one citizen over another.”
Rules state that the plot sought for purchase should be adjacent to a residential property and can be purchased only if it is not being used by the government for its services.
Strategic Thinking Bloc president MP Ahmed Al Salloom backed the proposal.
“To avoid disputes, the strip should be divided between neighbouring homes,” he suggested.
“That’s the only way to make everyone happy. Should no deal be reached, then the plot should be offered at a price, of course below that of the market, to whoever is willing to buy first.
“The government should also charge for any plot that is between 50sqm and 200sqm since it is a huge space that could accommodate a living room up to a two-storey home and is not small to be given free.”
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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