Parliament Backs National Platform to Restore Homes of Low Income Families

TDT | Manama

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The Council of Representatives approved a proposal calling for the launch of a national platform to support the restoration of homes belonging to low-income families across Bahrain. This move aims to strengthen housing security and preserve social stability. The proposal, titled “Tarmim”, was endorsed as part of wider efforts to address deteriorating housing conditions and lengthy waiting periods faced by vulnerable households.

MPs agreed that adequate housing is a constitutional right and a cornerstone of dignity and family stability. During deliberations, attention focused on the growing number of homes suffering from structural deterioration, overcrowding and long standing maintenance issues, particularly among families who own their homes but cannot afford repairs.

MP Basma Abdulkarim stressed that the current housing framework focuses largely on financing and allocation, while neglecting families living in unsafe or unsuitable homes. She argued that a unified digital platform would simplify procedures, ensure transparency and prioritise cases based on need. MP Dr. Mahdi Abdulaziz Al Showaikh highlighted the visible spread of dilapidated houses in several areas, warning that delays in intervention place residents at risk and undermine Bahrain’s social image. The proposed platform aims to centralise applications, assessments and approvals, reducing administrative delays and duplication. MPs noted that the initiative could also support heritage preservation in older neighbourhoods and provide opportunities for Bahraini engineers, contributing to local employment and skills development.

Members said the platform would enhance fairness in access to housing support, protect families from unsafe living conditions and strengthen community cohesion. They stressed that preventive maintenance is more effective and less costly than delayed intervention.

With parliamentary approval secured, the proposal will be referred to the government, as expectations grow for practical steps to implement the platform and deliver timely relief to eligible households.