Old houses may be demolished

By MOHAMMED AL A'ALI
MANAMA
MANAMA: Dilapidated houses in Manama that have either been abandoned by their owners or turned into labour camps could soon be torn down. A budget of BD500,000 will be allocated every year for the scheme, it was agreed by the Manama Municipal Council yesterday at its general-secretariat meeting.
The aim is to avoid a repeat of the Gudaibiya labour camp fire, which killed 16 people last month.
"There are many houses owned by well-known dignitaries and businessmen who have left them a long time ago and are not being used by anyone, or in some cases are occupied by expatriate workers," said council public relations and information committee vice-chairman Mohammed Mansoor.
"The council doesn't want to see another tragedy in Manama after the labour camp burned down last month in Gudaibiya."
Mr Mansoor said councillors would come up with lists of houses to be included in the scheme as soon as possible.
"Final approval of the scheme is expected soon, but the lists are required so an initial budget can be decided for it to begin," he said.
A final vote on the issue is expected to take place on September 12, when the council will hold a full meeting.
The scheme is expected to be funded by the Manama Municipality and will not come under the His Majesty King Hamad Scheme for Dilapidated Houses, which only applies to homes occupied by people who need financial aid to renovate them.