MAKKAH: People in Makkah have complained that illegal fishing and vegetable farms thrive in city suburbs by taking advantage of the negligence of officials in enforcing food security.
Speaking to Al-Madinah newspaper, a number of residents alleged that municipal officials fail to make periodic inspections to farms outside the city precincts.
“The fact that these farms operate at locations far from the municipality’s offices is not an excuse for not inspecting them to take necessary steps to ensure that they supply produce in a legal and safe manner,” said Makkah schoolteacher Abdullah Al-Zahrani.
Many people buy locally produced fresh fish and vegetables at cheaper prices without being aware of potential health hazards.
Recent inspections found that some vegetable farms were using sewage water to grow crops.
No arrests have been made because workers fled. Officials are also concerned that fish farms may be using banned growth-promoting feeds.
“Only people without conscience would grow fish and vegetables using chemical feeds and sewage, which are injurious to human health. Authorities should punish them and their accomplices in an exemplary and deterrent manner,” Al-Zahrani said.
He stressed the need for setting up a committee to discover those who run farms in an illegal manner and bring them to justice.
Muhammad Al-Shahari, a local resident, demanded that authorities take firm steps to stop farms that depend on sewage for irrigation.
“We don’t know how safe are the fish and leafy vegetables sold at Al-Kaakia and Al-Nakasa markets. It is the prime duty of the Health Ministry and environmental officials to maintain food safety by stopping any violation in the farming methods,” he said.
Shoura Council member Suleiman Al-Zayedi blamed municipal and government officials’ failure to strictly supervise the farms for the illegal and unhygienic practices.
“It is surprising how anyone can start a farm without a license from the authorities. This confirms the poor supervision by concerned officials. I strongly demand the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Commerce discharge their duties in full to make the farms guarantee food safety,” he said.
