Plot-plus-loan schemes

TDT | Manama

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MPs will discuss a draft law on Tuesday that would make it easier for low-income citizens to build homes on government-allocated plots by pairing the land with affordable loans.

The bill proposes adding a paragraph to the existing housing law, saying the ministry responsible for housing must provide financing to citizens given plots, and the minister would set the rules for awarding the funding. Supporters say this would help families who currently receive land but lack the means to construct a house, turning land allocations into actual homes.

Currently, the ministry already helps low-income citizens through housing programmes that provide homes to rent or buy, loans to build or renovate, and housing plots. The minister can also add services as needed.

Parliament’s Public Utilities and Environment Committee supports the idea but suggested wording that avoids naming a specific ministry, so future government changes won’t require amendments.

The government, however, says the law already allows financing under existing powers, and making it a legal requirement could slow down delivery and lengthen waiting lists. They also warn that specifying a ministry in the law offers little benefit and could cause extra paperwork if government structures change.

The draft law includes three main articles, covering financing, implementation, and ministerial responsibilities.