JEDDAH: A massive project has been planned to improve conditions in underdeveloped residential districts in the Makkah Province and Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal described the project as one of the largest in the world.
Speaking to reporters after visiting a number of such districts in Jeddah, he said the government plans to rectify the status of those expatriates who do not have residency permits but have been living in the Kingdom with the permission of the state.
“The plan to alleviate the situation of the people living in underdeveloped residential districts will get top priority and cover both Saudis and expatriates,” he said, adding that people overstaying their Haj and Umrah visas and intruders would be excluded.
Prince Khaled, who is chairman of the executive committee for the development of underdeveloped districts, said there are 60 such districts in Makkah and 52 in Jeddah.
“This is a 100 percent Saudi project and will be managed by Saudis,” he said. “It’s not just making housing plans, rather it is a comprehensive humanitarian, social, cultural, health, educational and security project.”
The governor said field surveys have been conducted for the areas to be developed. He emphasized the importance of private sector participation in constructing houses to accommodate residents of these areas.
The project will change the shape of the underdeveloped districts and there will be new shopping centers, hospitals, schools and housing complexes.
“Residents of these areas will be given adequate time to vacate their houses after receiving compensations. By that time new houses will be built in suburban areas to welcome them,” the governor said.
People who own land in the area will have three choices. They can either have shares in the company developing the area or sell their property to the company or get a suitable house as a replacement for their present home.
