Two-year deadline for expropriations

TDT | Manama

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A new proposal by MP Hassan Ebrahim aims to address the ongoing uncertainty surrounding government expropriations by introducing a two-year deadline for the process, with compensation for any delays beyond this limit.

Presented during Tuesday’s parliamentary session, Ebrahim’s plan is designed to resolve years of frustration caused by stalled decisions from the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture. “The lack of a clear timeframe has left properties to deteriorate and burdened owners financially,” Ebrahim said.

Under the proposal, the government would be required to complete expropriation within two years. If authorities fail to meet this deadline, they would be mandated to compensate landowners. “Families shouldn’t have to watch their assets crumble due to government inefficiency,” he added.

Ebrahim cited constitutional principles in support of the proposal, referencing Article 4, which promotes justice, equality, and opportunity, and Article 5(c), which obliges the state to protect citizens from unnecessary hardship.

The move comes as complaints from landowners continue to grow. Many reports significant financial strain from evicting tenants in properties marked for expropriation or facing rising repair costs to maintain property conditions. “Without clear deadlines, expropriation cases have been left unresolved for years, resulting in deteriorating properties and devalued real estate,” Ebrahim explained.

Property owners are often forced to invest in repairs to maintain their properties’ value, while some are left with no choice but to let buildings fall into disrepair. “This is a cruel situation where investments turn into liabilities,” Ebrahim said. “It’s time for the government to take responsibility and end this cycle of neglect.”

The proposal will be further debated in upcoming parliamentary sessions, with MPs discussing its potential impact on property owners and the government’s approach to expropriation.