JEDDAH, 12 March 2007 — Graffiti artists have declared war against the municipality by defacing landmarks, roundabouts and even billboards across the city.

All roundabouts along Tahliah Street were signed with the initials A.H., the signature of a notorious graffitist. The vandalizing of the city’s landmarks took place during the last three days and now municipality workers are cleaning the mess and changing billboards.

The initials that were signed on roundabouts on Tahliah Street were carefully done in perfect shape and color, which required a considerable amount of time and effort. It is amazing how the vandals managed to do this, knowing that the police constantly monitor these areas.

Last month, in an attempt to minimize the problem, the municipality designated a wall near the Briman area for graffiti lovers to practice their hobby.

Ahmad Al-Ghamdi, head of the public relations department at the municipality, said the authorities have managed to identify the person who vandalized roundabouts on Tahliah Street with the initials A.H.

He said the graffiti were not the work of the young man who previously used the initials. The original A.H. has informed municipal authorities that someone was using his name to cause trouble, Al-Ghamdi said.

It seems that the municipality’s “peace treaty” was not accepted by some graffiti vandals who have decided to challenge the decision.

Al-Ghamdi said that the young man who vandalized the Tahliah Street roundabouts was upset since the graffiti wall in Briman was given to the X5, a rival group.

The official added that the authorities have contacted the youngster and told him that he is excused for vandalizing the roundabouts. The youngster has also been asked to join the municipality’s Graffiti Assembly, which helps graffiti artists, Al-Ghamdi said, adding that a special wall would be set up for his group.

In a previous interview, Al-Ghamdi said that the municipality would designate walls in various districts across the city for graffiti artists to display their art in a civilized manner.

Al-Ghamdi added that the municipality is organizing a citywide campaign entitled, “We Are All Responsible‚“ with the aim of raising awareness about keeping the city clean. The Education Ministry and schools have been involved in the campaign, which calls for the preservation of the beauty of the city.