Bank Muscat Widens Support for Tadhamun Home Renovation Programme 16-6

08/04/2013

The Tadhamun Home Renovation Programme launched by the Ministry of Social Development in response to a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative by Bank SICO continues to benefit and is open for social welfare families in rural Omani communities to avail funding for renovation and upkeep of houses. The first-of-its-kind Tadhamun Programme was launched in 2012 to encourage corporates and institutions to come together with the government and reach out to weaker sections of society.

Khalfan bin Harib bin Saif Al Jabri, Director General of Planning & Studies at the Ministry of Social Development, commended the joint initiative between the Ministry of Social Development and Bank SICO for the establishment of Tadhamun Programme. “This is a fine example of solidarity between the government and the private sector and such initiatives will promote social responsibility and support for sections of society which require attention and care.

We are gratified that the initiative has benefitted many needy citizens, ensuring a decent living for them. We urge all corporates to support the programme and participate in reaching out to weaker sections of society. I wish the programme all success in achieving the desired objectives of benefiting needy segments of society.”

Tadhamun application forms for home renovation are available at the Ministry of Social Development and the offices of Bank SICO regional managers across the Sultanate. The programme is limited to renovation of homes of low-income Omani citizens in the Sultanate. Applicants must be beneficiaries of the social welfare programme of the Ministry of Social Development and they must be the owner of the land and home to be renovated. Funding is not available for construction of new homes or extension of existing homes. The application forms must be forwarded to the CSR department at Bank SICO head office.

All applications will be evaluated by the CSR department based on three quotations from local construction companies. Applicants who fulfill the criteria will be short-listed. Priority will be given to large families from rural areas. The CSR team along with approved consultants will make site visits to assess the required work and quotations.

Essam Al Sharji, CSR Manager, said: “Bank SICO is proud to join hands with the Ministry of Social Development and support the Tadhamun Programme, in line with the Royal directive of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos for the private sector to complement the government’s efforts in sustainable social responsibility. Through Tadhamun Programme, Bank SICO seeks to contribute to improving the living standards of underprivileged sections in society and demonstrate its commitment to be the most exemplary corporate citizen in Oman.”

Bank SICO is a pioneer of CSR activities in the banking sector in Oman. Over the years the bank has implemented several initiatives benefiting various segments of society. The Tadhamun Programme underscores the bank’s commitment to complement the government’s efforts in social responsibility as well as create an opportunity for everyone to join together and strengthen the hands of needy sections in society.