Nineveh: The Nineveh Provincial Council has approved a series of resolutions aimed at safeguarding the rights of landowners and removing obstacles to construction within the province. The head of the council, Ahmed Al-Hasoud, announced that a majority vote was achieved on recommendations from a committee focused on lands previously prohibited from construction. This initiative is designed to ensure citizens’ rights and align construction procedures with legal standards, addressing longstanding unresolved issues.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, Al-Hasoud stated that the council has endorsed the right of any citizen who owns registered land to obtain a building permit from the relevant municipality, provided they meet all legal requirements. He emphasized that construction cannot be prohibited nor can any restrictions be imposed outside of established official procedures.
Al-Hasoud further explained that the council has decided to bar any security or administrative bodies from seizing lands owned by citizens or obstructing construction activities without a justified judicial order. Legal actions will be taken against any entity found to be infringing on citizens’ rights or hindering the enforcement of applicable laws.
In an effort to streamline this process, the council has instructed the Nineveh police chief to form a joint committee with municipal directorates. This committee will be responsible for receiving complaints from citizens, monitoring any disruptions in the issuance of building permits, and referring violations to the appropriate judicial authorities. The council has also been empowered to oversee these matters and implement necessary actions to ensure compliance with its resolutions.
Al-Hasoud highlighted that the council views the prevention of citizens from building on their land under claims of “demographic change” or other non-legal justifications as a violation of the Iraqi constitution and laws, which requires legal accountability. He stated that the council will closely monitor the implementation of these decisions in the upcoming phase to protect private property, reinforce the rule of law, and enhance social stability in Nineveh Governorate.