I agree that punishment is one possible way of preventing crime and law violations. But I disagree with the Jeddah municipality when it makes rules or imposes fines without informing the public of what the rules are and what the punishment is for breaking them.
The municipality has the right to do so, of course, but it also has a duty to fulfill its obligations to the public. I agree with the municipality when it imposes a SR500 fine on houses which regularly leak water into the street.
At the same time, the municipality should make sure that all pipes are properly connected to the house and that they do not leak. As for sewage, the municipality should by all means strictly enforce its rules after it has made sure that every house is properly connected to the sewage system.
We need to take care of the problems arising from underground water and improper sewage disposal as soon as possible. We need to admit the problem and be realistic about reviewing some of the municipality’s laws.
Above all we need to be aware of the problems that trouble the residents of Jeddah and involve them in decision-making, especially those with expertise related to the problem. But simply fining people whenever something goes wrong is not the answer.
- Arab News From the Local Press 3 September 2003
