A total of 10,000 new homes will be built in Bahrain during 2012-2013 to slash the waiting list, said a senior government official.

Housing Minister Basem Al Hamer added that the ministry has drawn up plans and programmes to meet demands by 2016.

This came as he met a delegation of chiefs and directors of Bahraini contracting companies.

He confirmed the role of a partnership between the ministry and contractors in boosting projects and said the ministry gives the highest priority to Bahraini contractors.

Al Hamer said the ministry also intends to build more flats, noting that it is working on 70 per cent of homes and 30 per cent of flats and a new strategy will help build more flats and buildings based on available space and services.

He said the ministry has about 80 registered contractors, considered relatively low, and will review criteria to register more in the next few months.

He also highlighted new technologies the ministry aims to adopt in its projects.

The delegation vowed to co-operate in new building descriptions and standards. – TradeArabia News Service