“There is no basis for the rumors about the expropriated properties being revalued with the aim of increasing compensation,” an official source from the Committee for Development of Haram North Square said.

The source expressed surprise at reports claiming that the delay in the evaluation of acquired properties meant a move by the authorities to increase their prices.

He also urged property owners who have not submitted their documents to the committee to immediately contact the committee’s office in Makkah for necessary action and payment of compensation without delay.

Ruling out the likelihood of a reappraisal considering the chaotic hike in real estate prices, the official said, “The committee functions under certain norms and regulations with regard to calculating the space and value of properties required for the construction. The view that the delay in fixing the price will lead to a rise in price for the properties is absolutely mistaken.”

A number of property owners expressed their displeasure at the rate of compensation for their expropriated properties. Their argument was that the land prices had shot up when the demand for land increased after thousands of properties were acquired and demolished in locations close to the Haram.

The situation gave birth to rumors such as that the authorities were reconsidering the compensation for those properties.

The source added that the prices had been fixed by a subcommittee comprising representatives of the real estate and investment sectors. The members are experts in estimating property values. They consider all related factors so that the dispossessed owners suffer no loss, he said.

The source added that the committee would not entertain any complaint about the methods of evaluation. “Those who have a complaint should approach the concerned authorities who are empowered to look into such complaints.”

He said the committee would accept only title deeds that describe the acquired properties and give details of the area. “What is needed is not new title deeds but a correction of the present documents supplying details of the area and the location of the properties,” he said.

At least 146 properties have been acquired for pedestrian underpasses and the price per square meter ranges from SR1,000 to SR5,000, depending on their proximity to the Grand Mosque.