Panel Backs Platform to Repair Crumbling Homes

TDT | Manama

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A national scheme to repair crumbling homes for low-income Bahrainis has won the backing of a parliamentary committee, despite government ministries saying much of the work is already covered by existing programmes.

The proposal, put forward by MP Basema Mubarak and four other MPs, calls for a Tarmeem platform to find homes at risk of collapse, arrange repairs and support families across Bahrain.

The platform would come under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning and work with the Ministry of Works, the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture and the Ministry of Social Development.

Funding would come from the state budget, alongside donations and grants accepted by the ministry.

The Public Utilities and Environment Committee approved the plan unanimously, saying early repairs could keep ageing homes standing for years, ease the burden on low-income families and protect Bahrain’s old architectural character and Islamic heritage.

It also said Bahraini engineering graduates could help draw up repair plans aimed at extending the life of each property.

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning said the proposal’s main aim was already being met through its housing finance services.

Under the 1976 Housing Law, the ministry provides low-income citizens with housing, land plots and finance to buy, build or repair homes.

Restoration loans are also available under Ministerial Decision No. 868 of 2022 for renovation, maintenance, structural faults and essential changes to homes.

The Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture said the plan matched work already carried out through the Cities and Villages Development Programme.

Applications are sent to municipal councils, which study each family’s social circumstances before forwarding approved cases to the ministry under annual council plans.

The scheme covers home repairs, maintenance, rainproofing and urgent work on houses damaged by fire.

Since 2006, it has repaired or restored 3,587 homes and fitted rain insulation at 8,722 properties, according to ministry figures up to the end of 2024.