Hundreds of rundown homes located in Bahrain’s capital could be remodelled as part of an initiative to restore traditional properties.

The Capital Trustees Board will conduct a study based on the parliamentary proposal that is set to be voted on when MPs return for their second term in parliament in October, said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

If parliament passes the proposal then work will begin in January and will be funded from the coffers of the Capital Trustees Authority.

The board has been given until the end of September to present its study on the project, which will include a list of potential homes to be renovated and an estimated cost.

Homes will be selected from the old Manama Suq, Hoora, Gudaibiya, Jidhafs and Bilad Al Qadeem.

“The interior of homes don’t need to be remodelled according to traditional designs and colours, we just want this to be reflected on the outside,” said board acting chairman Mazen Alumran.

“It will involve using old building materials and homes will not be allowed to have window air conditioning units, among other conditions.

“We are compiling our lists and from initial indicators we can see that the cost is less than expected benefits, with several tourists appreciating the view, even residents themselves.

“Several old homes are beautiful but due to neglect and lack of maintenance have become an eyesore, and are also in disastrous and appalling state.”

Alumran said all of the expenses will be shouldered by the authority with work set to begin in January, if the proposal is passed by parliament.

“We are planning to start with 10 per cent of the project next year and by 2018 we plan to cover 30 per cent of the listed homes,” he said.

“It is a long project, and despite its low cost, work will take time because the homes are located in narrow alleyways.

“I believe that we could complete work between eight to 10 years depending on funding and progress of work, some homes may be added, but at least effort is put in.”

Alumran said the initiative could also be introduced on shops in the Old Manama Suq.

“We have a special committee alongside ministries concerned to revive the Old Manama Suq and having the front of shops remodelled in similar fashion to the homes will certainly ensure a uniform style,” he added.

“Again the issue of safety is a problem and that’s something that we will study, but for now this could be something for the board to consider as a separate project.” - TradeArabia News Service