A new proposal aiming to provide relief for families affected by house fires – particularly in cases where the homes have existing building violations – is gaining traction in Bahrain’s municipal decision-making framework.
The initiative, brought forward by Councillor Abdulla Al Qobaisi, was unanimously approved yesterday at the Northern Municipal Council meeting held at its headquarters in Budaiya.
The proposal seeks to create an exception that allows for the issuance of building permits in cases where fire has destroyed or severely damaged homes that are technically in violation of current building codes.
Mr Al Qobaisi
Mr Al Qobaisi emphasised that the proposal is rooted in humanitarian and practical concerns. “We are dealing with urgent cases where families have lost everything to fire. It is neither humane nor feasible to delay assistance due to technical violations that may date back more than a decade,” he said.
“Our focus must be on preserving the dignity and safety of the affected, especially widows, orphans and those living in shared homes due to separation.”
Under the proposal, exceptions would be made for:
- Homes with violations older than ten years, which are considered dropped by prescription under Article No (18) and Article (383) of the Criminal Procedure Code.
- Households with critical social circumstances, such as widows, orphans, or homes shared due to family separation.
- Properties where a death occurred due to fire.
- Homes where existing violations can be corrected during the restoration process, with permits granted conditionally upon the contractor removing the infraction.
Dr Mohsin Abdulla, chairman of the council’s financial, administrative and legislative committee, stressed that while maintaining legal integrity is crucial, exceptional cases demanded flexibility.
“Our committee evaluated this with the understanding that legal frameworks exist to protect communities, but they must also serve them,” he said. “In cases of fire, we’re not just addressing damaged structures – we’re talking about human suffering, trauma and urgent need.”
He added that some violations stem from outdated housing dimensions and long-standing informal additions made by families with limited means, and that newer construction codes already provide more flexibility.
The proposal presented several key justifications:
- Urgency of Response: Fires are emergencies that require immediate action to restore habitable conditions.
- Family Stability: Preventing displacement and ensuring affected families can rebuild and remain in their communities.
- Health and Safety: Damaged structures may pose dangers to remaining residents or neighbouring buildings.
- Emotional and Financial Strain: Residents face psychological and financial burdens that are worsened by bureaucratic delays.
- Legal Precedent: Older violations are already considered lapsed under existing criminal procedures.
- Regulatory Evolution: Recent amendments to construction laws provide grounds for more lenient treatment of minor violations.
Dr Abdulla
The committee concluded its deliberation by recommending that the Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry formally consider and act on the proposal. “We are not encouraging violations,” Dr Abdulla clarified. “We are encouraging pragmatic governance that understands exceptional humanitarian conditions.
“This proposal allows for regularisation during reconstruction, not exemption from responsibility.”
If rarified, the move could set a significant precedent for integrating social welfare into urban planning and regulatory frameworks in Bahrain’s Towns and Villages Development Scheme.
The proposal is now awaiting review by Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister Wael Al Mubarak.
If approved, its supporters suggest it will pave the way for affected families to receive building permits under specific conditions, ‘ensuring both legal compliance and compassionate governance’.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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