By Mansour Al-Tamimi

grapples with the challenge of land monopoly as vast tracts of land are held by a select few, casting a shadow over economic growth, social equality, and overall accessibility to land for the average citizen. The nation's path to effectively address this issue lies in two primary strategies: fostering land redistribution and updating inheritance laws, alongside the implementation of land taxation and anti-speculation measures.

A dual approach

The cornerstone of combating land monopoly lies in the implementation of comprehensive land redistribution policies. These policies aim to dismantle large land holdings and equitably distribute them among citizens, thereby achieving a more balanced allocation of land resources. The government can initiate land reform programs to identify and redistribute large landholdings to deserving citizens. These programs can utilize various mechanisms such as land auctions, lease-to-own programs, and cooperative farming initiatives.

In tandem with land redistribution, updating inheritance laws to ensure an even division of land among heirs—regardless of gender—can prevent the concentration of land among wealthy families, further bolstering the equitable distribution of land resources. Public awareness and education form another crucial element of this strategy. By hosting educational campaigns, workshops, and seminars, citizens can become better informed about their rights and the importance of land redistribution and fair inheritance laws.

Land taxation and anti-speculation measures

The second arm of this strategy involves implementing effective land taxation and anti-speculation measures. By discouraging land hoarding and speculative practices, these measures can generate revenue for public welfare and ensure land resources are used productively. A progressive property tax system could incentivize landowners to make efficient use of their land, with higher tax rates on vacant or underutilized plots discouraging speculative holding.

In addition, a land value tax—taxing the unimproved value of land—could capture economic gains from community development efforts. This approach discourages land speculation and promotes efficient land use. Regulations to curb speculative practices, such as setting holding limits, can prevent the accumulation of land for speculative purposes, thereby ensuring land is available for productive use and preventing artificial price inflation.

Finally, the establishment of land trusts and the promotion of public-private partnerships can ensure the community at large benefits from land use. These mechanisms can aid in affordable housing initiatives, public infrastructure projects, and sustainable urban planning.

Conclusion

Addressing the issue of land monopoly in Kuwait necessitates a holistic approach focused on promoting land redistribution, fair inheritance laws, and effective land taxation policies. By adopting these strategies, Kuwait can facilitate a more equitable distribution of land resources, stimulate economic growth, and foster a more inclusive society where land is accessible to all its citizens.

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