A BD200-million ($530 million) plan to build nearly 4,000 affordable housing units in Bahrain has been unveiled.
Villas and apartments at the mega project by Bahraini company Manara Developments will be available at six different locations and will be ready by the end of 2015, said managing director Dr Hasan Al Bastaki.

He said construction was ongoing or would begin soon at new Tubli Gardens, Janayin Al Hamala, Wahat Al Muharraq and The Bridge as well as Kenaz Al Bahrain in Jiblat Habashi and Darari near Durrat Al Bahrain.

“We have completed plans to build 3,845 housing units, including 2,300 villas, with a minimum of three bedrooms each, and with prices starting at BD45,000 ($119,250),” Dr Al Bastaki said. “Construction is already well under way at the Tubli project, while it is set to begin elsewhere in the next few months.”

Dr Al Bastaki said the company is also looking at the projects in collaboration with the private and the semi-government sectors. “This is part of our efforts at promoting co-operation between the private and public sectors and to satisfy demands for affordable housing.”

He said they were mostly targeting those with average to above middle-level incomes.

“We have conducted several surveys, which indicate there is an ever-increasing demand for housing units for personal use in Bahrain,” said Dr Al Bastaki.

He said Manara had the ability to manage diverse projects across the country simultaneously, which was testimony to
its reputation.

“We are working with investors and partners to ensure all units remain highly affordable,” said Dr Al Bastaki.
He continued: “The idea is to make these affordable for most of the population of Bahrainis and Gulf nationals who would want to buy into the properties.

“Janayin Al Hamala is one of the biggest in Bahrain, which will offer different choices of housing units, including detached and semi-detached villas. Wahat Al Muharraq and The Bridge are in close proximity to Shaikh Khalifa Bin Salman Causeway and have innovative and unique features in terms of design, and location. Kenaz Al Bahrain, currently under development, will be an attraction for middle-income families since it is located close to Manama while Darari is ideal for those who wished to live far away from the hustle and bustle of the city.”