.jpg?20260304')
Low-income Bahraini families may soon be eligible for free home renovations or complete rebuilding of their dilapidated homes if a proposed amendment to the 1976 Housing Law is approved by the Shura Council.
The amendment, spearheaded by four Shura Council members led by youth committee chairman Redha Monfaradi, is set to be debated during the council’s weekly session on Sunday.
The proposal aims to formally recognise the rights of underprivileged citizens to receive housing assistance beyond the existing programmes, ensuring that those who cannot afford other available housing services have a viable path to safe and suitable accommodation.
Housing and Urban Planning Minister Amna Al Romaihi pointed out that the government already has broad authority to provide housing services under recent legislative amendments to the same law.
“These amendments grant the minister the power to offer suitable housing solutions through ownership, rental, renovation or financing for home purchases and reconstruction,” she explained.
“Additionally, the law enables the ministry to launch new initiatives tailored to Bahrain’s housing needs.
“This right that the minister has is enough to decide on the most suitable approach that fulfils Bahrainis’ needs for housing services.
“The current legislative format is more flexible, balanced and serves the intended purpose.”
Meanwhile, Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister Wael Al Mubarak also highlighted that the government has already been assisting low-income families with home renovations and expansions at no cost.
“Several Bahrainis who meet the necessary criteria as low-income have benefited from these initiatives, receiving new facilities or additional rooms to improve their living conditions.”
Despite the existing framework, Shura Council members argue that a legal amendment is necessary to explicitly enshrine the right of low-income Bahrainis to free home renovation or reconstruction.
Dr Mohammed Hassan, chairman of the council’s public utilities and environment affairs committee, stressed that providing adequate housing is a constitutional right.
“There are people who can’t afford any of the existing services on the short, medium or long run,” he said.
“The amendment doesn’t contradict the minister’s right to issue criteria on who falls under the free category; it simply acknowledges that underprivileged families exist and require formal recognition within the law.”
Dr Hassan further asserted that legal consultants have confirmed the amendment does not interfere with the ministry’s core responsibilities or procedures.
“Instead, it strengthens the legal framework ensuring the most vulnerable Bahrainis receive necessary support,” he added.
Mr Monfaradi described the initiative as a humane legislative effort designed to protect families who are forced to remain in unsafe and deteriorating homes due to financial constraints.
The three other supporters of the amendment argue that while the existing law grants the housing minister discretion over housing policies, explicitly enshrining the right to free renovations and rebuilding would provide greater security to struggling families.
The move would also ensure that assistance is not subject to shifting ministerial priorities but is a guaranteed right for those in need.
If approved, the amendment could provide thousands of low-income Bahrainis with much-needed relief, reinforcing the country’s commitment to social welfare and housing security, they asserted.
Top stories for today:
Home renovation for poor families proposed
Emirati billionaire Al Habtoor says he is afraid to set foot in Lebanon
Bid to end row over social media misuse punishments
&uuid=(email))