Unpaid Electricity and Water Authority (EWA) bills total BD103 million, MPs were told yesterday.
Electricity and Water Affairs Minister Yasser Humaidan added that BD42m was pending from subsidised residential accounts, BD28.8m from unsubsidised residential accounts and BD32m from non-residential accounts.
“In the case of expats, the ministry is employing periodic follow-ups and advanced measures, including requiring a deposit when opening or closing an account,” added the minister, speaking during Parliament’s weekly session.
“If arrears reach the deposited amount, service is immediately disconnected, and it is only restored after full payment.
“For consumers struggling to pay overdue bills, the ministry offers various solutions, including direct deduction agreements and fixed deductions.
“In certain cases, we allow instalment plans for outstanding debts.”
Responding to a question by MP Mohammed Al Ahmed on EWA’s financial status, Mr Humaidan the annual budget previously allocated to the authority, amounting to BD350m, was gradually reduced since 2017 and fully stopped by 2022.
Mr Humaidan
In response to two other questions by Parliament’s financial and economic affairs committee chairman Ahmed Al Salloom and foreign affairs, defence and national security committee vice-chairman Hassan Ibrahim, the minister said that the establishment of a holding company, The National Electricity and Water Holding Company, would be part of preparations for the next phase following the reorganisation of the sector.
“We are implementing a comprehensive strategic plan that includes various initiatives to develop different aspects of Bahrain’s electricity and water sector over the next four years,” said Mr Humaidan.
The MPs also listened to a response from Parliament and Shura Council Affairs Minister Ghanim Al Buainain, who is politically in charge of the Tender Board, on a question by Dr Hisham Al Asheeri on disputed contracts.
Mr Al Buainain
The minister pointed out that there is a dispute by a company against the EWA of around BD11.5 million.
“A case is with the Bahrain Chamber for Dispute Resolution and the consultancy company deal as contracted by the EWA has now increased to BD1.94m from BD1.5m originally agreed due to a lengthy legal procedure.”
In another response to a question by Jalal Kadhem Al Mahfoodh, the minister said 19,709 tender requests were received from 2022 until December last year from ministries, government bodies and companies.
The total was 6,896 last year compared to 6,372 in 2023 and 6,441 in 2022.
“They were worth BD1.925 billion in 2024, BD1.699bn in 2023 and BD1,351bn in 2022,” said Mr Al Buainain.
MPs were also notified about new legislations forwarded by the Cabinet and referred them to the relevant committees for review.
A proposal by five MPs led by Mohammed Hussain Janahi to double the monthly inflation and meat allowances before Ramadan was also referred to the relevant parliamentary committee for review by Speaker Ahmed Al Musallam.
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