Legislators could attempt to extend relief from costly utility bills to expatriates, after Bahrainis were this week granted a reprieve during summer.
It was announced on Tuesday that bills for Bahrainis with one home would be recalculated for June, July and August.
That followed growing dissatisfaction about high costs of electricity, which has prompted an investigation by the National Audit Office (NAO).
Bahrainis with one home qualify for 3,000 units of electricity at a subsidised rate of 3 fils every month, but MPs claim a flaw in the calculation means many are paying more than they should.
Higher consumption during summer, driven by a reliance on air-conditioning, is compounding the problem.
Meanwhile, expats are charged 29 fils per unit – 866 per cent more than their Bahraini neighbours – prompting complaints that the billing system discriminates against foreigners, who make up 55pc of the population.
MPs met Electricity and Water Authority (EWA) officials yesterday to discuss the utility bill issue.
One MP, Ahmed Al Ansari, pledged expatriates had not been forgotten in the talks.
“We agree the issue is equally a concern for expatriates and utility bills are unaffordable,” he told the GDN.
“It is separating expat families, as some are sending their relatives back home.
“We have raised this with the EWA in the meeting, while we wait for the outcome of the investigation.
“We will address this in parliament as well in the coming days – and the concerns of expatriates will not be dismissed.”
The investigation has been ordered by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister.
In a statement yesterday the NAO said it had already formed a team to proceed with the inquiry.
Parliament first vice-chairman Abdulnabi Salman said a rethink on how bills are calculated was required across the board.
“As far as I know we haven’t had a proper representation from expatriates (on the issue), like that of Bahrainis, but it doesn’t mean we are not concerned about the expatriates,” he said.
“They are equally important and part of our society.”
Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) board member Bassim Al Saie told the GDN that parallel projects – such as making residential buildings more energy efficient – were needed to reduce consumption.
He also said expats should be treated “on an equal footing” with Bahrainis.
“I think the issue of abnormally high utility bills is applicable equally to expatriates, who should be considered on an equal footing,” he said.
“In fact, the utility bills are impacting expatriates more than Bahrainis – the heat of which we feel on the business front.
“We know from a few sources that some expatriates have sent their families home due to rising costs.
“When utility rates rise, there has to be a parallel programme to help mitigate these costs – such as programmes to make existing buildings more energy efficient.
“This kind of forward thinking would help address the problem and create new business opportunities.”
BCCI member and Indian community leader Mohammed Malim added the “unbearable increase” in utility bills was pushing the expatriate community “to the edge”.
“Expatriates are suffering silently, as there is no one to represent their plight to the government,” he said.
“Basic expenses of a family have gone up, whereas the income remains the same – and in some sectors salaries are not paid on time.
“The majority of expatriates earn between BD400 and BD600 and their electricity bills have gone up to BD120, from BD40.”
Similar concerns were shared by other expat community leaders.
Indian Club general secretary Job Joseph said it was a “rightful move” for the government to address concerns of Bahrainis first, but added the plight of expats was even worse.
Pakistan Club Bahrain board member and businessman Sheikh Waqar Ul Haq Ahmed said in some cases utility bills were actually costing more than rent.
The cost of electricity for expatriates, businesses and Bahrainis with more than one house rose to 29 fils per unit in March.
Bahrainis with one home qualify for a subsidised rate of 3 fils per unit, which rises to 9 fils for each unit above 3,000 and 16 fils for each unit above 5,000.
Utility bills have also been subject to VAT of five per cent since January 1.
raji@gdn.com.bh
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