JEDDAH, 4 October 2005 — Riyadh Governor Prince Salman on Sunday inaugurated the second charitable housing project in Badeea, comprising 124 housing units. He commended the spirit displayed by Saudis in philanthropic activities.
“We have so far received donations worth SR250 million for the charitable housing project,” the governor told the opening ceremony, adding that the second housing project was implemented at a total cost of SR32 million.
He also spoke about an SR100 million endowment scheme that would generate revenues for the operation and management of charitable projects. “All these projects should have an endowment to ensure their continuity,” he stated. A 10,000-square meter plot of land on King Fahd Road in Riyadh has been bought for the endowment project.
Prince Salman expressed his happiness over the generous support by affluent Saudis toward their less fortunate compatriots.
“As I have said before, every Saudi will be ready to pay his or her Zakah and Sadaqat once they learn that their money benefits the deserving,” the governor told the gathering, which included a large number of businessmen and philanthropists.
Prince Salman earlier toured the housing units after unveiling the commemorative plaque. He also opened a social activities center at the complex. More housing projects will be opened under the scheme in the coming years.
Ibrahim Al-Asheikh, secretary-general of Al-Birr Society, said the charitable project provided model houses for the poor. “So far we have constructed 453 housing units under the project named after Prince Salman,” he said.
In his speech, Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al-Asheikh urged wealthy Muslims to support their less fortunate brethren deriving inspiration from the teachings of Islam.
