Electricity and water bill relief for charity societies

TDT | Manama

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A push to cut electricity and water charges for charity society in the Southern Governorate has been approved by the municipal council, as councillors warned that soaring bills were making it harder for these societies to keep their doors open.

The move came on the back of a push from council member Mohammed Hussain Darraj, who argued that without relief, non-profits helping struggling families would face an uphill battle to survive.

“Charity societies do the heavy lifting when it comes to supporting people who are doing it tough,” Darraj said. “They shouldn’t have to burn through what little funds they have just to keep the lights on.”

While the council has supported the proposal, the plan still needs the go-ahead from the relevant authorities, who will be responsible for working out how the cuts will be rolled out.

Work

Darraj stressed that power and water costs were squeezing societies, making it harder for them to carry out their work.

Unlike businesses, they don’t turn a profit, he said, pointing out that they were set up to serve the community in line with Islamic principles of generosity and goodwill.

“If they’re forced to funnel money into bills instead of aid, it’s the families who rely on them that will feel it,” he said. “This is about making sure help keeps flowing to those who need it most.”

Daraj said easing the strain on these societies would allow them to keep their work going and ensure struggling households didn’t lose a crucial lifeline.

Helping these groups stay afloat, he added, was in everyone’s interest, especially as more people found themselves needing a hand.