Mazaya programme to increase housing services' beneficiaries

Manama, Apr. 10 (BNA): Housing Minister, Bassim bin Yaqoob Al-Hamar, said that the new edition of the social housing scheme (Mazaya), which will take effect in early 2019, aims to increase the number of the scheme’s beneficiaries after the success of the first edition launched in 2013. The minister said that the studies conducted for the development of the programme were based on several factors, most notably the large demand on the programme by citizens listed on the waiting lists, especially new applicants representing newly-formed families, noting that 2600 citizens have so far benefited from "Mazaya" financing services. Launched in line with the directives of His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa to give priority to the needs of the citizens, especially regarding housing, in the government action plan, and based on a recommendation by the Executive Committee, chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier, the new-look edition of the programme aims to increase of the number of beneficiaries of social housing services, he said. He also hailed the constant follow-up of the Ministerial Committee for Construction and Infrastructure, led by Deputy Premier Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa. The minister pointed out that the adoption of the new edition of the "Mazaya" programme is one of the gains attained under the government action plan in which the government planned to increase the efficiency of its partnership with the private sector, stressing Bahrain’s housing experience, thanks to the Mazaya programme and other initiatives implemented in partnership with the private sector, has become a role model to be emulated by other countries. Due to be implemented in 2019, the new-look Mazaya Programme will pave the way for BD500-BD1500 income citizens whose applications are on the waiting lists to benefit from housing services.  It also ensures clear and easy mechanisms to complete the "Mazaya" procedures, which are implemented by the private sector as housing projects, increases the private sector’s participation in the provision of housing units, and simplifies eligibility criteria. The minister also revealed the age eligibility has been raised from 35 to 50, in accordance with the requirements and standards set by the participating banks and the Central Bank of Bahrain in particular with regard to payment periods, adding that the monthly deductions should not exceed 25% of the income of the beneficiary. Under the new-look Mazaya Programme, eligible citizens have the choice of using the financing they receive to purchase a housing unit or a land lot, or to build a housing unit.