Article 5 of the Saudi Eminent Domain Implementing Regulations

This article regulates the passage of public utility networks such as water and electricity, and the rights of the owners of land they cross:

1. Coordination: The implementing bodies must coordinate with the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs or the General Authority for Roads, each as concerns it, when setting the route, so that networks are built as far as possible within the routes of roads that have been built or marked out on the ground.
2. The master plan: Networks are built under the approved master plan showing the main road network; if it is not available, the project-owning authority proposes the route of the main lines and submits it to the competent authority for approval.
3. Compensation outside road routes: If networks must be built in areas with no road routes or where routes cannot be determined, the project-owning authority pays compensation to landowners for the areas taken under the law.
4. High-voltage towers: If they require clearance zones exceeding the width of the existing or proposed road route, the authority pays the compensation due for the areas taken under the law.

Amendment: By Council of Ministers Resolution No. (586) dated 22/8/1444 AH, the phrase "General Authority for Roads" replaced "Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services" in paragraphs 1 and 2.

The article does not set out how compensation is calculated, but refers to the provisions of the law. Anyone whose land is crossed by a utility line or electricity towers can consult a lawyer specializing in real estate matters.