Families of deceased Bahrainis could be exempted from paying their outstanding electricity and water bills, if councillors have their way.
The Southern Municipal Council has also called on the authorities to ensure grieving citizens continue receiving subsidised services until the utility meters are transferred to the name of another family member.
These initiatives, intended to alleviate the financial burden on bereaved families, were unanimously approved by the council during its meeting recently.
The two proposals were presented by the council’s financial, administrative and legislative committee chairman Mohammed Daraj.
“These steps reflect a broader effort to support families in distress, ensuring essential services continue uninterrupted while they navigate administrative and legal formalities following the death of a loved one,” said Mr Daraj.
“This is a humane and practical approach to address a sensitive issue faced by many families,” he added.
“It ensures that basic necessities are met and families have the time to adjust their financial commitments, without the additional burden of unpaid dues or administrative hurdles.
“We owe it to our citizens to provide relief when they need it the most.”
Council chairman Abdulla Abdullatif commended the initiative, emphasising the importance of providing social support to families during challenging times.
Members of the council also unanimously approved the proposals, highlighting the need for empathy and flexibility in handling such cases.
“This is not just about financial assistance, it is about ensuring dignity and support for citizens during their time of loss,” said Mr Abdullatif.
“The council stands united in its commitment to making life easier for families coping with loss.”
Following the council’s approval, the proposals will now be reviewed by Electricity and Water Affairs Minister Yasser Humaidan. The minister’s nod is vital for the proposals to be implemented.
In Bahrain, electricity and water subsidies are provided to citizens to reduce the cost of essential services. However, the subsidies are tied to individual accounts and are not automatically transferred to family members after the account holder’s death.
The proposals aim to address this gap, ensuring that families continue to benefit from subsidised rates without interruption.
This change would also allow families more time to complete the legal procedures required to transfer ownership of utility accounts.
“If approved, these measures would be a welcome relief for many families who currently face the dual challenge of financial pressures and bureaucratic hurdles after the death of a family member,” said the council’s technical committee chairman Mubarak Faraj.
“Waiving off the unpaid dues would alleviate a significant financial burden, particularly for families already struggling to meet their expenses,” he added.
“The ability to continue receiving subsidies without immediate account transfer would also provide families with stability and ensure access to essential services.
“Moreover, it underscores the government’s commitment to social welfare and its efforts to support citizens during difficult times.”
He added that the proposals align with broader national efforts to enhance social support systems and ensure that government policies reflect the values of compassion and solidarity.
“If implemented, they could set a precedent for similar measures in other sectors, further strengthening Bahrain’s social safety net,” said Mr Faraj.
“This is about understanding the realities of life and showing compassion. We hope these proposals will inspire similar steps in other areas where families face challenges.”
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
&uuid=(email))