JEDDAH, 29 November 2006 — The Ministry of Social Affairs yesterday signed an agreement with the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry to build a fishing harbor for fishermen who are beneficiaries of social insurance in Thuwal, Rabigh, Qunfuda and Laith.
The project is estimated to cost SR9 million. The ministry will also distribute 80 boats to fishermen in the area.
Muhammad Al-Aqla, deputy minister for social insurance and low-cost housing, said the chamber would also market the products of fishermen. “This agreement aims at creating productive projects for a number of poor families in the area in order to make them productive families,” he said.
He disclosed plans to establish new projects for the poor around the Grand Mosque in Makkah. “There are 72 street vendors of miswak (toothbrush sticks) who are beneficiaries of social insurance. We’ll establish small stalls for them,” he said.
He emphasized the ministry’s efforts to facilitate distribution of social insurance in Jeddah and neighboring villages.
Mustafa Sabri, secretary-general of the chamber, said his organization would market the products of fishermen among the private sector. He said the fishing harbor would include an ice factory and cold storage facilities. “We will translate the agreement with the ministry in text and spirit,” he added.
Abdullah Al-Tawi, director of social insurance in the Makkah region, said the ministry’s new projects were aimed at improving the condition of the poor. “We’ll remove all obstacles facing fishermen in Jeddah,” he said.
The agreement, which was signed by Al-Aqla and Sabri, reflects the chamber’s support for the poor and people of low income.
