Extra fees on expats: MPs’ view awaited by govt

The government is waiting for MPs recommendations to implement fees on expats in Bahrain for receiving sanitary services, informed Works, Municipalities Affairs an Urban Planning Minister Essam Khalaf.

“The matter is currently submitted to the Council of Representatives and we (the government) are waiting for their views on the matter,” he said. 

The Minister’s statement came during a press conference that followed last week’s Cabinet meeting on Monday.

He explained: “Basically, we’re discussing amending the existing Sanitation and Surface Discharge Law, allowing the government to return some of the expenses it’s bearing in the field of sanitary services, which are presently free for all.”

However, Minister Khalaf added, “I would like to reaffirm that the directives of the government stipulate that any fees would not affect Bahraini citizens, especially in their residences.”

As reported by DT News last month, the Ministry stated that “BD300 million was spent on sewage sites and projects during the past 15 years and BD75m is expected to be invested in the same field in the next 14 years.”

This information was revealed by Public Utilities and Environment Parliamentary Committee while studying the proposal of the government to introduce fees on sanitation services.

The Ministry clarified that the amendment will impose fees on connecting sanitation networks services, monthly sewerage discharge services, wastewater treatment and providing treated water services.

It also stated back then that it’s not seeking to impose the fees on citizens in the meantime and it will consider their water consumption rates before doing so.