Future Cities, urban renewal projects highlights of 2024 roadmap

MUSCAT, Feb 15

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning (MoHUP) unveiled a comprehensive roadmap for 2024, promising further progress and transformation.

The MoHUP's ambitious 2024 plan, encompassing 130 initiatives, underscores a strong commitment to empowering citizens, fostering thriving communities and driving sustainable urban development.

This was unveiled during a media gathering held at the Royal Opera House Muscat on Thursday to review achievements made in 2023 and the executive plan for 2024.

Dr Khalfan bin Said al Shueili, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning, and under-secretaries detailed the ministry's plans and programmes.

This year urban planning takes centre stage, with initiatives like the implementation of the Greater Muscat City structural plan and the development of comprehensive plans for major centres like Greater Suhar and Salalah. Future cities like Sultan Haitham City and Al Jabal Al Akhdhar will see significant progress, while the development of Khasab will gain momentum.

Revitalisation efforts will touch five governorates, focusing on infrastructure, community programmes and sustainability. Detailed planning initiatives encompass the approval of Masirah Island plans, the adoption of Al Batinah North plans, and the second phase of land planning for the Al Batinah Coastal Road.

Dr Khalfan Said Al Shuaili, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning, speaks at the media briefing at ROHM in Muscat on Thursday.

As part of its commitment to ensuring "Housing for All", the ministry has outlined a number of programmes. The Mandaa Project will provide safe havens in Jabal Shams, while mountain villages will receive 84 new residential units. The Kamzar Housing Project and initiatives in Al Halaniyat Islands address specific needs, and relocation and renewal efforts will bring modern housing to Soqara residents and revitalise Wadi Bani Khalid and Qurayat.

Beyond these specific initiatives, the plan outlines ambitious goals like distributing 1,000 government residential plots, establishing 1,200 housing units within the housing assistance programme, and securing RO 1.9 billion for housing loans with the Oman Housing Bank.

The completion of 1,051 housing units in Al Naseem and the offering of 5,300 units through the Sorouh Programme further demonstrate the ministry's commitment to tangible outcomes.

The significant initiatives for 2024 build on a slew of successes achieved in 2023. The ministry's "Citizen First" philosophy yielded impressive results. Customer satisfaction skyrocketed by 65 per cent, a testament to streamlined procedures, enhanced service quality, and expanded accessibility channels. Over 280,000 individuals were served in dedicated halls, and countless others received assistance through phone and social media channels.

The digital revolution permeated the ministry's operations, with 56 services automated on platforms like Tatweer and Amlak. This shift not only streamlined processes, but also empowered citizens with convenient online access.

Recognising the importance of family stability, the MoHUP increased housing assistance, enabling over 1,382 families to realise their dream of homeownership. The "Map Bank Competition" fostered innovation by engaging firms to develop modern and efficient housing designs for beneficiaries.

In collaboration with the Oman Housing Bank, a landmark programme was launched to support over 60,000 Omani families in acquiring homes over the next five years. Streamlining access to affordable financing through specialised soft loans further bolstered this initiative.

The real estate market witnessed robust growth, with transactions reaching RO 2.6 billion (a 6-per cent increase). The ministry's effectiveness was evident in the collection of RO 65 million in legal fees and the granting of 23,000 ownership approvals.

Land distribution programmes flourished, with 25,000 plots allocated through the 'Choose Your Land' programme alone. The ministry's utilisation of government lands was showcased through 781 usufruct contracts, generating significant revenue and fostering diverse projects across key sectors.

The Sorouh Programme, a cornerstone initiative, continued to deliver seven ongoing projects providing over 5,260 housing units. Four additional sites were made available for investment, opening doors for further development.