Bahrain MPs to vote on financial support for taxi drivers

Taxi drivers could be eligible for regular financial support from Tamkeen under a proposal spearheaded by Parliament chairwoman Fouzia Zainal despite claims that the local services don’t appeal to customers anymore.

MPs are set to vote on the urgent proposal recommended by the services committee during tomorrow’s session, with Tamkeen urging MPs to vote otherwise.

“There is a huge gap between demand for local taxis and the services provided by Uber and Careem with many people opting for the latter,” said Tamkeen in writing.

“The services provided by apps are more reliable – in terms of availability, details, payments or facilities.

“Statistics from the Transportation and Telecommunication Ministry show that there are 1,278 taxis and 968 owned by individuals are not up to standards to compete with app companies and it doesn’t fall with the future advancements in the field.

“There is no accurate way to determine revenues to calculate support or even give loans to enable the shift towards the future.”

Last month, the Cabinet instructed Tamkeen to cover financial support for taxi drivers, driving instructors and kindergarten workers who are not registered under the Social Insurance Organisation.

The initiative is part of the government’s BD4.3 billion stimulus package to offset the financial impact of the coronavirus on businesses and individuals.

Four other proposals are set for debate tomorrow.

Doctors on temporary contracts at Health Ministry facilities could be given permanent employment.

The proposal aims to see the doctors who have completed between four and six years at Salmaniya Medical Complex (SMC) and in health centres cover vacancies and the surge in government medical services.

MPs will vote on urgent road work in Askar with the Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Ministry stating the plans have started to carry out revamp and construction.

Handball national team players who qualified for the 2021 Tokyo Olympics and 2021 World Cup could be given government homes as rewards for their achievements.

MPs will also vote to name a sports facility in the name of the late renowned sporting personality Shaikh Isa bin Rashid Al Khalifa.

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