Saudi government is set to expropriate more than 749 properties around the country at a cost of SR466.4 million ($124 million) for future infrastructure projects, said a report.

The Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs has already approved the expropriation of these properties which are to be mainly used for projects linked to flood prevention measures, road works and regulating neighbourhoods, reported the Arab News.

In Makkah, the ministry will take over 10 properties at a cost of SR36 million ($9.6 million) for flood projects between Ree’ Thakher and Al-Jazzaer roads. In Madinah, there will be over SR2 million ($532,921) paid out for 41 properties, including along Nofa bin Abdullah and Saad bin Abdullah roads to regulate various neighborhoods, the report stated.

In capital Riyadh, there will be four properties expropriated to expand Al Suwaidi Road, and nine to regulate the governorates of Al-Kharj, Thadeq and Huraimilaa. There will also be 38 properties taken over along Omar bin Al-Khattab Road and four properties in Al-Zalafi. The government will pay out over SR50.4 million ($13.4 million) to the owners.

In Asir, the government has approved the expropriation of 84 properties worth over SR221 million ($59 million). In Al-Qassim, it will pay out over SR12 million ($3.2 million) for 35 properties in Al-Bade governorate, 258 for the regulatory scheme in the central area in Unaiza, 25 for King Abdullah Road in Buraida, 33 for King Saud Road in Al-Muthanab, and 40 to expand Prince Faisal bin Bandar road.

In Al-Jouf, the ministry will take over 15 properties for SR36.7 million ($9.7 million) for a scheme in Al-Zhour; and in Jazan 53 to expand King Fahd Road in Fifa governorate, and other projects. In the Northern Border Province, the government will take over seven, and in Hail four properties. In Najran, nine properties will be taken over for over SR71 million ($19 million).

In Tabuk, the ministry plans to expand the corniche by taking over six properties. Taif has already expropriated three properties for the Was Al-Naml, Odah and Salamah schemes, and approved compensation for five others at a total cost of SR13.7 million ($3.65 million).

In Dammam, a major property will be taken over for SR2.9 million ($772,736) to build a car park, while in Al Ahsa, the government has already started expropriating 10 properties for SR10.8 million ($2.8 million).

Shar Al-Shahri, director general of the expropriation department, said owners must present their title deeds and other documents for getting compensation. Special committees have been set up to look into these issues, he added.