One of Bahrain’s oldest and most densely populated communities is facing a growing housing challenge, with an MP warning that long-time residents are being forced to leave neighbourhoods they have called home for generations due to a shortage of government housing.
Parliament public utilities and environment affairs committee vice-chairman MP Mohammed Al Janahi has called for urgent and unconventional measures to address the shortage of social housing in Capital Governorate’s First Constituency, which covers Hoora, Gudaibiya, the Diplomatic Area, Bahrain Financial Harbour and the northern part of Seef – the area he represents.
His appeal comes after Housing and Urban Planning Minister Amna Al Romaihi said that there were no government-owned housing plots available within the constituency. She said eligible applicants were instead being offered housing solutions elsewhere in Bahrain under the government’s nationwide housing programmes.
However, Mr Al Janahi argued that relocating families away from their communities was not a genuine solution.
“People do not want to leave the areas where they were born, raised and have spent their entire lives,” he told the GDN.
“Hoora and Gudaibiya are part of Bahrain’s history and identity. Families have lived there for decades and have strong social ties that cannot simply be replaced by offering them a home in another governorate.”
Hoora awaits new social homes
He claimed that soaring rents and the transformation of the constituency into a hub for expatriate workers, visitors and apartment developments had left many Bahraini families struggling to remain in the area.
“The constituency is now packed with expatriate workers, GCC visitors and foreign residents renting apartment buildings,” he said.
“There is absolutely nothing allocated for social housing. If land is unavailable, then the government should consider purchasing suitable properties from landlords or acquiring strategic plots to ensure Bahrainis can continue living in their own communities.”
Mr Al Janahi
Mr Al Janahi also proposed reviewing government land allocations within the constituency.
“There are plots reserved for ministries and government bodies that could instead be used for housing projects, while alternative sites could be allocated for those facilities elsewhere,” he said.
He stressed that the issue was no longer simply about housing, but about protecting families and communities.
“I have seen heartbreaking humanitarian cases. There are paralysed citizens waiting years for housing assistance and entire families crammed into a single room because they have nowhere else to go,” he said.
“If the traditional Hoora and Gudaibiya areas are fully built up, then reclaimed land behind Bahrain Financial Harbour or parts of the northern Seef area should be explored for future housing developments.
“People only agree to leave when illness, overcrowding and desperation leave them with no other choice.”
The government has repeatedly reaffirmed housing as one of its highest national priorities, with the sector receiving the largest allocation in the state budget to continue delivering thousands of new homes and financing programmes across the kingdom. The investment supports the long-term goal of providing 50,000 housing units and expanding financing schemes aimed at reducing waiting lists.
Mr Al Janahi insisted that while national housing projects are essential, preserving historic communities must remain part of Bahrain’s housing vision.
“Housing should not only provide a roof over people’s heads, it should also preserve families, neighbourhoods and the social fabric that has defined Bahrain for generations,” he added.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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