The government has been urged to provide permanent headquarters for community establishments, including societies, theatres and associations, with an MP claiming that many of them were facing imminent closure due to financial struggles.
The call has gone out from Parliament’s foreign affairs, defence and national security committee chairman and Juffair, Umm Al Hassam, Ghuraifa and Adliya area MP Hassan Bukhammas.
Many of Bahrain’s longstanding community organisations are currently housed in rented apartments in Adliya, which are owned by Edamah, the government’s real estate arm.
Mr Bukhammas claimed that many of them were unable to pay their rents owing to financial constraints, putting them at risk of eviction.
“Bahrain has long been a regional pioneer in civil society movements dating back to the 1920s,” he said.
“However, voluntary work is dying today and several community establishments are closing down,” he claimed.
“Edamah has every right to manage its properties as it sees fit, but it is the state’s duty to protect and enhance community engagement.”
The kingdom has actively promoted charity and philanthropy, theatre and cultural development, women’s rights, human and labour rights and has pioneered several initiatives in the fields.
“These establishments have been integral to Bahrain’s rise,” said Mr Bukhammas.
“They have played a key role in nurturing generations, fostering civic responsibility and preserving our rich history of social activism and cultural development.”
The MP stressed that unless a permanent solution is found, the organisations could lose their licences and cease to exist.
“Community establishments need proper headquarters to continue their work,” he said.
He suggested providing rent-free or subsidised locations for such organisations, designating government-owned land for their headquarters and introducing a special grant or financial support system to help them continue their activities.
“These institutions have served Bahrain for decades and their role in society is invaluable,” he said.
“We must protect them, support them and ensure their sustainability.”
He said that the future of Bahrain’s community institutions now depended on swift government action.
“The call to secure permanent headquarters is not just about saving organisations, it is about preserving a national legacy that has helped shape Bahrain’s modern identity,” he said.
Parliament Speaker Ahmed Al Musallam has referred the topic for review to the services committee, which is set to summon government officials concerned and representatives of community establishments.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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