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Bahrain’s private sector to face more subsidy cuts

MANAMA, May 21, 2015

More subsidies cuts targeting the private sector are being considered in Bahrain, including fees for government services such as land registration and sewage drainage at commercial properties.

The government intends to provide such services at cost price, rather than subsidise them using public money, said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

Shura Council financial and economic affairs committee chairman Khalid Al Maskati said cur- rent fees were unrealistically low.

“Registering land, whether for residential purposes or investment, is currently the same and that’s wrong because the actual size or usage is disregarded and that is set to change,” said Al Maskati.

“Draining sewage for commercial and business outlets is provided at the same rate as house- holds and that’s a drain itself of public money, while the government shoulders the cost.

“The list has not been provided to us, but examples were given and there are other services that the government is planning to charge more for.

“In the end the well-paid have to pay the cost of what they are receiving and the same goes for expatriates.”

The National Assembly met a government delegation led by Finance Minister Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa yesterday to discuss the budget.

“We have not been presented with studies giving us ideas on what the government wants to achieve or how, with an attached financial analysis,” said Al Maskati.

“In the end everyone should know what’s coming.”

He also said that outstanding money owed to ministries and government bodies should be collected immediately.

“There are millions out there that could help with the budget,” he said.

Meanwhile, parliament financial and economic affairs committee chairman Isa Al Kooheji said the government would present its full subsidy cut proposals next week. - TradeArabia News Service




Tags: Bahrain | fees | land | cut | target | Subsidies |

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