The Damascus Governorate has pledged to address the concerns of residents affected by “Project 66” in the Basilia City zoning area in Kafr Sousa, claiming that all development work in the area was frozen early on to resolve outstanding issues and restore property rights.
In a statement published on its official Facebook page on Friday, July 11, the governorate affirmed that all feedback and demands submitted by affected residents are being taken seriously. It said these are under continuous review to ensure fair outcomes—“even at the expense of the Damascus Governorate.”
A joint committee, comprising representatives from the Ministry of Housing and Public Works and the governorate, has been formed to review the 1,146 submitted claims.
The governorate stated it is assessing the applications “accurately and transparently” with the aim of amending Decision No. 112 of 2015, which regulates eligibility for alternative housing, to include residents currently ineligible.
It is also conducting a financial review to increase rental compensation to a level aligned with current market conditions and capable of securing temporary housing for affected families.
The statement highlighted “exceptional efforts” to resolve issues related to non-certified contracts and power-of-attorney documents in Basilia City. The governorate has requested the Ministry of Justice appoint a specialized judge to chair committees reviewing unresolved legal cases—especially those involving lost documents or incomplete legal procedures that previously hindered residents from proving ownership.
Some ownership and compensation claims have been referred to a dispute resolution committee for review.
The governorate clarified that ongoing construction in uninhabited zones of al-Mazzeh 86—before the fall of the Assad regime—is intended to build alternative housing units for families previously evacuated. These families had already received part of their rent compensation in advance.
According to the statement, the government is now expediting the completion of these housing units, aiming to provide residents with high-quality, safe, and dignified accommodations.
The governorate emphasized its commitment to protecting citizens’ rights and fostering public trust in urban development projects that it claims will ensure a better future for future generations. It also urged residents to rely on official sources for updates rather than social media rumors.
Protests by Displaced Residents
On July 5, dozens of residents affected by “Project 66” staged a protest demanding justice. They held signs that read, “Down with Project 66,” “My land is my right, no to theft and looting,” and “Project 66 is an Assadist injustice, Down with the contractor Zuhair Abdul-Aal”
Under Legislative Decree No. 66, property owners in the affected areas were transformed from title deed holders into shareholders of undivided land in the newly zoned area. Many of them told Enab Baladi they view the share-based compensation system as unjust and claim that the property valuations are far below market value.
Some residents say they were forced to sell their rights at a loss due to financial hardship or threats. Others complain they never received alternative housing within the legally mandated timeframe and were added to long waiting lists, or saddled with unaffordable fees tied to alternative housing.
Many families were left homeless and ultimately had to leave the area or sell their shares at low prices on the black market, exacerbated by Syria’s dire economic conditions.
Legal Clarification from the Governorate
Damascus Governor told Enab Baladi on December 25 that areas seized by the Syrian regime, including contentious projects like Marota City and Basilia City, do not legally constitute government expropriation.
He added that all plots allocated to property owners and rights holders will eventually be returned to them. However, for the time being, they are collectively owned and will be redistributed in a specific manner once zoning processes are completed.
The governor also said he had assigned a specialized committee—working in coordination with both the current and former administrative boards of developments like Marota City and Basilia City—alongside a new expert team, to address public concerns and reach a satisfactory outcome in the near future.
Damascus Responds to Demands of Residents Affected by Decree 66 Enab Baladi.
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