Single Bahraini women, divorcees, widows and abandoned wives could soon be eligible for government homes, after the Shura Council yesterday (March 29) approved amendments to 40-year-old legislation governing social housing services.

Members made numerous additions to the law, despite pleas from Housing Minister Bassem Al Hamer to postpone discussions until after a financial study was completed, said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

The minister warned the cost of the changes was too high and would have repercussions elsewhere, suggesting a completely new law was needed.

“We don't have a figure for what is being proposed by council members to add new categories or ease criteria,” he said.

“We need a comprehensive study that takes the financial aspect into account before we can even consider anything.”

Shura Council public utilities and environment affairs committee chairman Faoud Al Haji agreed a new law was needed, but urged fellow members to approve amendments to current legislation that would be enforced until a new law is presented.

One proposal by members to oblige Bahrainis seeking housing services to be permanent residents of Bahrain was accepted in principle, but will be studied to determine if it is constitutional.

Other amendments approved yesterday change the age of eligibility from 18 to 21 for breadwinners.

Public utilities and environment affairs committee secretary Dr Mohammed Hassan said women deserved access to housing services regardless of their status.

“We have added a fifth category to the law that will make single Bahraini women, divorcees, widows and abandoned wives eligible for government homes in line with demands from the Supreme Council for Women,” he said.

“But due to difference in categorisation, the fifth category will be eligible for an apartment on rent - with guidelines and procedures later mentioned in by-laws that will be issued by the Housing Minister.

“The basic income for women should be BD300 from any source, in addition to details on loans and other financial obligations.

“In case of a mental or physical disability related to applicants in the fifth category, or any family member that will live with them, the ministry will be required to have special facilities provided.”

He added the maximum age of all government housing applicants would be 50, except in exceptional cases.

“The calculation will be based only on the breadwinner whose net income should be no more than BD1,000 ($2,632),” he said.

“Wives could have their income added on an optional basis and the Cabinet will have the right to increase the ceiling depending on its review.”

Discussions on allowing children of homeowners to benefit from loans for house modifications, which would allow them to remain at home, has been postponed for fine tuning.

Further discussions on the law will continue next week. - TradeArabia News Service