MHUP to provide housing to 1,200 low-income families in 2024
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning (MHUP) has announced an initiative to support low-income and social security families across the sultanate.
Muhammad Mubarak al Jabri, Director General of Housing and Urban Planning in Muscat governorate, revealed plans to extend housing assistance to 1,200 beneficiaries with limited income in 2024. This move aims to improve living standards and ensure social stability by providing adequate housing solutions for the targeted groups.
The announcement coincided with a ceremony on Thursday where 32 housing units were allocated to eligible individuals in the Al Mahaj area of Amerat, marking the beginning of delivery of the housing assistance programme. This year's initiative underscores MHUP'S commitment to facilitating social housing programmes designed to foster social stability and well-being for Omani families in need.
Reflecting the private sector's dedication to social responsibility, Saud Bahwan Charitable Foundation has funded the Al Mahaj housing project with a contribution exceeding Ro1.4mn. ‘This collaboration highlights the collective effort to provide accessible and suitable housing for Oman's lowest-income families, thereby promoting familial and community stability,’ MHUP stated.
The delivered units have been constructed to modern living standards, equipped with essential services and amenities to support a dignified quality of life.
The project is spread over 8,484sqm, with individual residential units covering 212sqm.
Jabri informed that these housing units are part of a larger social housing initiative of MHUP, with further allocations planned for the Sultan Haitham City and the Sorouh projects. “The ministry's goal for 2024 is to distribute 1,200 housing units across the sultanate, continuing its efforts to improve living conditions for eligible citizens.”
MHUP provided housing assistance to 1,478 families, amounting to Ro35mn in 2022, compared to Ro30mn for 1,261 families in 2021. In 2020, 600 families benefited from projects worth a total of Ro15mn, while 1,000 families received housing aid costing Ro41mn in 2019.
In a significant move to further aid citizens, the ministry increased the housing assistance by RO5,000 in 2023.
The revised assistance scheme now takes into consideration the number of family members and the construction area, offering up to RO25,000 to smaller families intending to build or rebuild homes covering at least 140sqm. Larger families with four or more members are eligible for up to RO30,000 in assistance, for homes not less than 190sqm, ensuring that the aid accommodates various family sizes and housing needs.
This initiative not only underscores the ministry's proactive approach to addressing housing challenges but also reflects the government's broader commitment to social welfare and economic inclusivity, aiming to secure a stable and prosperous future for all its citizens.
MHUP provided housing assistance to 1,478 families, amounting to Ro35mn in 2022, compared to Ro30mn for 1,261 families in 2021, and Ro15mn for 600 families in 2020