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Legislators are calling for the demolition of dilapidated apartment blocks in Muharraq Governorate and their replacement with modern units to ease housing demand and improve the living standards for citizens.
The proposals target Block 207 in Muharraq Governorate constituency four and Block 221 in Muharraq Governorate constituency two, where ageing flats have long been deemed unsuitable for families.
According to the public utilities and environment affairs committee’s report, the proposals seek to make optimal use of strategically located residential land that has already been vacated, by redeveloping it into permanent housing projects to be allocated to applicants from the two constituencies currently on the Housing and Urban Planning Ministry’s waiting list.
Hisham Al Awadhi, one of the MPs behind the initiatives, said the proposals reflected residents’ long-standing demands for decent, sustainable housing.
“These buildings no longer meet the needs of Bahraini families,” Mr Al Awadhi said. “Redeveloping these sites into modern housing projects will not only reduce waiting lists, but also restore dignity and stability to affected neighbourhoods.”
Mr Al Awadhi said the projects would have a lasting social and economic impact.
“This is about smart urban renewal,” he said. “We are transforming underutilised land into vibrant residential communities that raise quality of life and serve future generations.”
The committee noted that the land occupied by the ageing flats could accommodate more than 100 housing units in each constituency, using modern designs that align with contemporary urban planning standards.
Housing and Urban Planning Minister Amna Al Romaihi confirmed that the objectives of the proposals were already being implemented on the ground. Demolition work has begun following the evacuation of buildings in both areas.
“So far, six out of 21 buildings in Block 207 and five out of 23 buildings in Block 221 have been razed,” she said.
“In parallel, the ministry is co-ordinating with Eskan Bank to prepare initial redevelopment plans. These include the construction of 522 housing units in Fourth Muharraq and 700 units in Second Muharraq, featuring modern specifications within integrated urban environments offering essential services and facilities.”
However, the committee formally recommended parliamentary approval of both proposals, asserting that they would ensure the best possible use of valuable residential land.
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