Call for revisiting housing process

Housing Directorates in the provinces, should get the power to clear procedures, says Shura member

MUSCAT: Shura members called for the decentralisation of Housing Ministry procedures, among expressing other concerns regarding land development, housing assistance, and private sector inclusion during their session on Thursday with the Minister for Housing.

During the Shura Council’s 18th session of the term, which hosted Minister of Housing Saif Al Shabibi, the members discussed strengthening ties with the private sector in housing, the need to review the latest increase in real estate fees, and protecting land from illegal use in the Sultanate.

The Shura Council went on to discuss Al Shabibi’s statement from Wednesday in the Council, which included five main points that covered various aspects of housing, including: planning and developing land for various uses, distributing it to the beneficiaries, as well as providing housing assistance and loans to those who need it most.

Shura members particularly highlighted the issues of delayed distribution of land, as well as the promotion of partnership with the private sector, in light of the current economic challenges.

Fee cut sought

In addition, Hilal Al Kharusi, a council member, called for granting the Housing Directorates in the provinces, the power to clear procedures without resorting to go the main headquarters of the Ministry. The Council members also demanded that land fees be reduced in some governorates, pointing out that the fees in those areas is sometimes higher than the value of the property.

Al Shabibi, however, explained that fees are unlikely to be re- duced due to the current economic conditions. He also said the Ministry hopes to distribute land near to the provinces where citizens originally live, if the planning allows for it.

Members of the Council also called for the allocation of land to cultural centres in the provinces and governorates. The Minister said according to the criteria, population density and other requirements, a submission may be made to the Ministry of Housing to determine the location of a cultural centre.

Compensation

Mohammed Al Rashidi, a Council member, spoke about the compensation for those affected by the Batinah Expressway, with regards to those receiving farmlands, homes and lands in locations that do not possess the same market value, and lack services.

Al Shabibi explained that the main goal of the compensation towards those affected by the Batinah Expressway is to reward individuals with fairness.

He pointed out that there are options for both monetary and land compensation.