Hundreds of Bahraini families are benefiting from free home repairs and waterproofing services provided by the government each year, with plans underway to further expand the programme, a senior official has revealed.
Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry common municipal services assistant under-secretary Subah Al Sabah said that around 400 homes are submitted annually for repairs and another 200 for waterproofing through Bahrain’s three municipal councils and the Capital Trustees Board.
Speaking during a field visit to Arad yesterday, Mr Al Sabah said that the ministry was working closely with the Finance and National Economy Ministry to secure additional funding in order to clear a growing list of eligible homes.
“We are committed to ensuring that every Bahraini family living in deteriorating or unsafe conditions receives the support they need,” he said.
“More funding is being sought so that all qualified homes can be serviced without delay.”
According to Mr Al Sabah, the average cost of home repairs ranges between BD10,000 and BD13,000 per property, while waterproofing costs average around BD800, depending on the size of the home.
He noted that the ministry also worked with residents to address violations before repairs are carried out.
“We help people with violations by asking them to remove them for their required service to be provided,” he explained.
“Some homes have unauthorised parking spaces, or illegal additions and alterations that need to be corrected first.”
Mr Al Sabah added that new service eligibility criteria are currently being revised under a modified support scheme, which is expected to be finalised and announced next year.
Mr Al Sabah and his team visit homes in the company of Mr Al Meghawi
“The goal is to make the system fairer and more efficient,” he said.
“We are updating the criteria to reflect the current social and economic conditions so that support reaches those who need it most.”
The home repair and waterproofing initiative, which has been running for several years, aims to preserve housing quality, enhance safety and improve living conditions for low- and middle-income Bahraini families.
“It’s not just about fixing homes,” said Mr Al Sabah.
“It’s about preserving dignity, ensuring safety and improving the quality of life for citizens across the kingdom.”
Mr Al Sabah visits a home on the waiting lists
Arad councillor Ahmed Al Meghawi, who accompanied the ministry team during the visit, expressed gratitude to the government for its ongoing commitment to improving citizens’ living standards.
“We truly appreciate the government’s willingness to help families across Bahrain,” he said.
“However, we also hope that the eligibility criteria will be adjusted, particularly by increasing the income threshold per category, so that more homes can qualify for repairs or waterproofing.”
Mr Al Meghawi said that many households who narrowly miss current income cut-offs are still in need of urgent home improvements and should be considered under the revised scheme.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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