In a version of the renovation law approved by the Senate of Uzbekistan on April 7, the consent threshold for property owners has been reduced from 100% to 80%. Sherzod Kudbiyev, head of the National Committee for Urbanization, explained the rationale behind this change during a meeting with entrepreneurs on April 10, emphasizing that it aims to prevent a small minority from blocking decisions supported by the majority.

Kudbiyev clarified that the 80% threshold applies only to projects implemented by state investment companies. Once an agreement is reached with 80% of owners, the investment company can approach the court with a proposal to purchase the property from the remaining 20%. He stated, "We have the concept of property rights, but one person should not make others suffer," highlighting the balance between individual ownership and collective interests in urban development initiatives.

Providing detailed context, Kudbiyev said, "Who is more important, one owner or 80? 80 percent of us agree to live in a beautiful, well-equipped place. But 15-20 percent are against — actually, this is not 15-20. According to cadastre data, 10-13 percent are objects not formalized on time, or inheritance not formalized, or people abroad. That leaves 5-7 percent who are really opposed. Whose opinion is more important — 5-7 percent or 80 percent? As a society, we must answer this question." This explanation underscores the government's push to accelerate renovation processes, though it may spark debates over property rights protections.

Davron Vakhabov, Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, noted that the new system is designed to reduce the risk of conflicts between residents and developers, similar to those that arose during the Akay City project. While this adjustment could streamline urban renewal efforts, it raises questions about the adequacy of safeguards for minority owners in the face of rapid urbanization and state-led investment drives.

Source: kun.uz