Beneficiaries actively misusing Housing Ministry’s Mazaya Scheme

Many beneficiaries of the Mazaya scheme are manipulating it to gain thousands of dinars after teaming up with property developers, according to sources. The scheme launched by Housing Ministry offers the opportunity for citizens earning BD600 and above to buy properties from developers.

Speaking to Tribune, one of the beneficiaries, who doesn’t want to be identified, said, “I bought a four-room apartment under the scheme for BD65,000 while the actual cost was only BD60,000. It was just an adjustment between me and the builder and spent BD5,000 on my interiors.” He said he doesn’t’ feel that he had cheated the ministry. “After all, I am going to pay the entire amount. It doesn’t amount to any kind of cheating. It’s just a temporary adjustment and no way a fraudulent thing.”

When approached, a builder who is participating in the scheme, said there is no violation involved when a beneficiary buys a housing unit for a “higher price”. “They are paying back the whole amount to the government. And if at all there is any fraud we are not involved in it. It is something between the citizens and the state.” Despite these shortcomings, Housing Minister considers the scheme as a big success with thousands benefitting from it. According to Housing Minister Bassem Al Hamer the ministry is planning to reduce the minimum monthly income of the beneficiary to BD400 from the existing BD600. The ministry also plans to launch the new edition of the scheme in the first quarter of next year, which is expected to benefit at least 23,000 citizens in the longer run.