JEDDAH, 18 April 2004 — The Jeddah industrial area is out of date and residents want it moved, according to a local press report.
Waste piles up for months, roads are in disrepair, and overstayers camp in abandoned buildings, Al-Madinah newspaper reported.
The Civil Defense told the paper the expected lifespan of the area was over; it was designed to last for 20 years and should now be moved.
Residents say a number of garages in the area tricked the municipality to obtain their licenses. The municipality requires them to sign a contract with a waste disposal company, which they do. But as soon as they have the license, they cancel the contract and let the garbage pile up.
“I have been working here for nine years and I’ve never seen it so disgusting,” said Murad Al-Najar, who has a car repair shop. “In the past, the municipality did a great job keeping the area clean. But right now we are at the mercy of so-called waste disposal companies. These companies charge SR150 to SR200 for daily collection. But sometimes they come once a week.”
He added large trucks dumped garbage in the area late at night.
Rami Hasan is a customer. “I came here to fix the paint on my car, and now I wish I hadn’t,” he said. “There was a big hole in the middle of the road, which caused great damage to my car. It cost me SR800 to fix it.”
Salem Ali, the owner of a local coffee shop, has seen a steady decline in his business. “Because of the noise and the smell many of my customers are not coming anymore,” he said. “The businesses around here leak all kinds of substances — water, chemicals — that damage the street and cause a terrible smell. Where is the municipality when you need it?” he asked.
