A shortage of contractors is the main reason behind the delay of the BD500,000 nationwide plan to remodel needy people's homes, officials told the GDN. The Municipalities and Agriculture Affairs Ministry has now assigned third-class contractors to remodel homes, because the cost of first-class contractors is too high, said scheme director Hassan Abdulraheem.

The remodelling plan, which started during September, includes minor renovations, such as structural repairs, extensions or redecorating.

© 2006 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)