Land-grabbers warned of jail, RO 10,000 fine

MUSCAT, Jan 30 - Constructions that do not comply with the civic law or are built on public properties without permission will be demolished.
According to a senior official at Muscat Municipality, the civic body has already secured several judgments in its favour relating to encroachment of government land and illegal constructions.
On Tuesday, the municipality won five cases of violations relating to land-grabbing and constructions in Bausher area in the capital city.
“In all the five cases, offenders have not only been slapped with fines but also ordered to demolish constructions and remove the debris from the site at their own expense,” he said.
The Follow-up Department, in cooperation with Public Prosecution and the Royal Oman Police (ROP), should ensure that the judicial rulings are adhered to by the offenders, the official said.
The judgment reiterated that Muscat Municipality has the authority to impose fine on anybody who violates the orders.
According to Royal Decree No 56/2014, those who encroach upon government land can be imprisoned for not less than six months and not exceeding three years and a fine of not less than RO 500 and not more than RO 10,000.
In July last year, the municipality obtained 75 judgments in cases relating to land-grabbing and violation in construction activities in different areas in the Wilayat of Seeb.
They included abandoned buildings and fences made from permanent and non-permanent materials.
Normally, cases are referred to the Public Prosecution only after verification by the clearing committee of the municipality.
“Offenders are given ample time to prove ownership of the possession. While those who produce proper documents are given the ownership rights, other cases are referred to the Public Prosecution,” he said.
Many property owners embark on the process of construction without adhering to standards set out in the civic regulations. In many cases, they do not even attempt to obtain necessary consent.
The municipality also reserves the right to demolish a building if the owner or his representative fails to renovate or maintain a property under the municipality law.
The failure of compliance can invite a fine starting with RO 100 and not exceeding RO 500.