New look ‘Mazaya’ on way

Manama : Prime Minister HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa yesterday endorsed the launch of the new edition of “Mazaya” (Benefits) Programme.

HRH the Premier took the decision based on a recommendation by the Executive Committee, chaired by HRH the Crown Prince, and presented by the Deputy Premier and Chairman of the Ministerial Committee for Construction and Infrastructure. 

This came as Prince Khalifa was chairing the regular weekly Cabinet session at the Gudaibiya Palace. 

According to a presentation by the Minister of Housing, the new edition of the programme aims to expand the scope of the beneficiaries of the housing services.

The “Mazaya” Programme, launched in 2013, has provided more than 2,600 housing units, 55% of which are new demands.

Due to be implemented in 2019, the new-look Programme, the Minister said, will pave the way for BD500-BD1500 income citizens whose applications are in the waiting lists to benefit from the programme. 

The move, the Minister of Housing said, also ensures clear and easy mechanisms to complete the “Mazaya” procedures, which are implemented by the private sector as housing projects.

“This increases the private sector’s participation in the provision of housing units, and simplifies eligibility criteria,” the Minister told the Cabinet.  

The Cabinet requested the relevant authorities to take the necessary legal and technical procedures.

Multi-storey car park in Muharraq Central Market 

Moving to development issues, the Prime Minister gave directives to expedite the implementation of development projects aimed at improving the services delivered to the citizens and spurring the kingdom’s touristic and commercial policies.

While informing the session about his recent field visit to Muharraq, HRH Premier urged to expedite the implementation of the remaining stages of the “Saada” (Happiness) and Muharraq Central Market Revamp projects, and to build a multi-storey car park there, a post-session statement by the Cabinet Secretary-General, Dr. Yasser bin Isa Al-Nasser, said. 

New mechanism to speed up permit 

In a related context, HRH Premier gave directives to the Ministerial Committee for Construction and Infrastructure and the Ministry of Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning to put in place a new mechanism to simplify and speed up the issuance of municipal and construction permits and licenses.

Arab Summit hailed

The Cabinet affirmed the importance of the 29th Arab Summit to be held in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, in activating Arab cooperation and joint action, as well as in serving Arab causes and safeguarding the interests of the Arab Nation. 

The session expressed its confidence in the ability of Saudi Arabia, under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, to provide the requirements of success for the summit. 

The session also congratulated Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, on his re-election, wishing him success in leading his country to a new chapter of achievements, development and stability.

Bahraini diplomatic mission in Italy

The Cabinet approved the establishment of a Bahraini diplomatic mission in Italy, and instructed the competent authorities to take the necessary legal procedures as outlined in the memorandum submitted by the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Other major decisions 

Approved a memorandum of understanding between Bahrain and the African Union Commission to establish a general framework to facilitate cooperation in development fields and issues of mutual interest at international gatherings and mandated Minister of Foreign Affairs to sign it on behalf of the Kingdom. 

Referred a MoU between Bahrain’s Supreme Council for Environment and the UK’s Department for Environment on cooperation in the fields of monitoring the marine environment, biodiversity and pollutionto the Ministerial Committee for Legal Affairs.

Referred to the Ministerial Committee for Legal Affairs a cooperation agreement between Bahrain’s National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA) and the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties.

Referred three draft-laws concerning the Exercise of Political Rights, Conflict of Laws in Civil and Commercial Matters including a Foreign Element and Property, and Land ownership by non-Bahrainis to the Legislative Branch, alongside memoranda explaining the government’s opinion on them.