KUWAIT CITY, Sept 30: The Ministry of Finance evacuated the Al- Muthanna “commercial and residential” Complex on Sunday morning, sparking discontent among residents and investors, who argued that the procedure overlooked legal considerations and the rights of families and businesses that have operated in the building for many years, reports Al- Seyassah daily. In an interview with the daily, tenants explained that the Ministry of Finance notified investors and occupants of the complex in July that they must vacate within just 23 days. Shop owners and tenants viewed this as a sudden notice that did not comply with the legal timelines typically applied in such cases. In August, the ministry cut off some basic services to the complex, which exacerbated the residents’ suffering, especially since the building houses both residential apartments and commercial shops relied upon by many citizens and residents for their daily work.

Residents reported being surprised on Sunday when teams from the ministry forcibly closed the entire complex, posted closure notices, prevented tenants from entering or leaving, and sealed off all entrances, including parking lots, elevators, and service areas. Many of the residents had sought help through official channels to find a solution that would protect their rights, but their requests were rejected. The residents revealed that the dispute was supposed to be between the ministry and the beneficiary investor only, and that the tenants, who have occupied their premises for more than 17 years, had no involvement in the matter.