COVID-19 repercussions ignite prices of agricultural plots

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KUWAIT CITY, April 17: It seems that the repercussions of the COVID-19 crisis, in addition to other factors, have ignited the prices of agricultural plots, as the local demand for the purchase of farms in both Abdali and Wafra areas has increased in the recent period, reports Al-Rai daily. The demand has significantly overtaken the supply of agricultural plots, especially the small land plots required by many who like planting and greenery.

The price of one square meter has risen to about KD 5 and to KD 7 per meter depending on the site. According to a statement issued by farmer Muhammad Al-Mutairi, the law allows those who obtained a land plot from the state to surrender it to others after two years of its allocation. This stimulated the agricultural plots market in Kuwait, in addition to other known factors about the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the preference of many Kuwaitis to spend their time with their families in their farms instead of their homes in the cities.

He said, “Some people are building houses in the middle of their farms instead of in the city, creating wonderful gardens and cultivating delicious fruits. This is because the rich is not the one with a lot of money in the banks, but the one who spends and enjoys what he owns”. Al-Mutairi asked, “Why do they allow the first owner to give up the plot that he obtained from the state after two years, while the citizens who bought it are not allowed to sell it or formally assign it to the Public Authority for Agricultural Affairs and Fish Resources, and the Administration of State Properties until after five years have passed? This is not fair, as I see, people must be treated equally.”

He called for the need to allow people to buy farms like any other property, without specifying a period of time, as the farmer is free to enter or leave the agricultural area. Meanwhile, chairman of the Kuwaiti Fishermen Federation Zahir Al-Soyyan praised the efforts of the Ministry of Health (MoH) in protecting public health, particularly the decision of Health Minister Sheikh Dr Basel Al-Sabah to vaccinate workers who have direct contact with the public; such as those employed in cooperative societies, central markets, malls, restaurants and others, reports Al-Rai daily. Al-Soyan urged the ministry to vaccinate workers in Sharq and Fahaheel markets, stall owners, employees of signage offices and the vendors so they are ready to serve the public once the ban is lifted. He hopes the ministry will understand the request of the union, and that it will initiate the vaccination of workers in Sharq and Fahaheel markets.

He affirmed everyone is fully aware of the excellent initiatives of the Health Ministry since the beginning of the corona pandemic. He called for resumption of fish market auction, pointing out that all other auctions of the Ministry of Commerce are continuing. Minister of Public Works and Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology, Dr. Rana Al-Faris, confirmed there is delay in developing the Sheikh Abdullah Sabah Al-Nasser Road, which is located between Amghara Industrial Area and Saad Al-Abdullah city, saying is due to the long time it takes for service ministries to prepare their responses and provide the ministry with their existing and proposed services to approve the design plans, says Al-Seyassah.

This came in written reply, a copy of which has been obtained by the Al-Seyassah daily, to a query submitted by MP Mubarak Al-Hajraf. Regarding the existence of a plan or study to develop this road, Al-Faris stated that the Public Authority for Roads and Land Transport (PART) is currently working on the development of the road referred to in – construction, completion and maintenance of roads and other services for a dual road separating Saad Al-Abdullah and the Amghara Industrial Area. It connects the Jahra Highway with the Sixth Ring Road, noting that it is currently in the stage of getting the approvals of the services ministries and preparing the documents. In response to a question whether the Ministry faces obstacles from the Ministry of Interior or Kuwait Municipality during the development of this road, Al-Faris stated there are no obstacles with the Ministry of Interior since the ministry’s responses are always quick.

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