Do we really need the Ministry of Housing?

Khalid Al-Ghanami The Ministry of Housing was formed by royal decree in 2011. At the time, the government saw a need for a ministry that would replace the Saudi Housing Commission and perform all tasks and responsibilities related to housing. This meant that the ministry would be responsible for all matters and issues related to land all over the Kingdom. The royal decree was issued following a series of royal orders for constructing 1.5 million residential units for Saudis with limited incomes. However, the ministry has failed to carry out the major task the government entrusted it with. It has only had small achievements and has not fulfilled its objectives and met the expectations of the government and citizens. In my opinion, it is a burden and a strain on the budget. Every year, the ministry waits for its budgetary allocations and does nothing with them. The Council of Economic and Development Affairs (CEDA) chaired by Deputy Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman, second deputy premier and minister of defense, has had many achievements in a short time, unlike the Ministry of Housing. The Council has imposed fines on those who encroach upon government land and it has broken the monopoly that controlled most of the land in the country. However, the Council has not addressed the housing issue, as its main concerns are developing the national economy and opening the economy to the global economy and free trade. It is interested in creating job opportunities for the unemployed and in focusing on general economic issues. The Ministry of Housing was formed to address one single issue - the housing crisis - and it has failed in its mission. Frankly speaking, whether the ministry has or has not succeeded, I do not see why we need a ministry to deal with the housing crisis. Once the problem has been solved, there will be no need for the ministry. CEDA can take care of the housing issue easily.