Ending five-year wait for housing allowance

TDT | Manama
Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

The prolonged five-year wait for citizens to receive the housing allowance of BD100 may come to an end if a proposal put forth by MP Jalal Kadhem is approved. This law seeks to grant housing allowances to every head of household from the date their application for housing services is accepted, rather than after a five-year period from the submission of the application. The implementation would be contingent upon a decision issued by the Minister of Housing outlining the conditions and procedures for disbursement.

Support
The Financial and Economic Affairs Committee of the Council of Representatives has discussed the proposal and expressed its support, despite opposition from the Ministry of Housing. The committee indicated that the proposal would enhance the social safety net for low-income citizens; however, its execution might necessitate an increase in the allocated budget for housing allowances.

On the other hand, the Ministry of Housing highlighted this very concern in its comments on the proposal, noting that it would require a cumulative increase in the budget allocated for housing allowances, starting with an additional BD10 million in the first year, while the current annual budget stands at BD57 million.

Necessity
Moreover, the ministry pointed out that the proposal’s necessity is diminished by the absence of lengthy waiting periods for housing. Additionally, the ministry reviewed recently proposed housing solutions, including the Tasheel programme and the launch of a Government Land Development Rights Programme aimed at providing social housing units in partnership with the private sector.

The proposal is set to be discussed by the Council of Representatives on Tuesday, where it is anticipated to be passed following the committee’s recommendation for approval.