IT has become routine for public servants to make grand statements, often failing to realize that the public to whom these words are directed have a capacity for a higher intellect than what our public service officials envisage.
Take the words of the director of the Jeddah airport in a statement issued to the press last week: “Today, the airport is witnessing progressive developments on both short-and long-term strategic plans which have been set to develop the infrastructure of the Kingdom’s airports and in turn support the increasing traffic of passengers.”
He goes on to add that “the airport is expected to see further development and expansion. Future plans include new buildings, commercial facilities and services to attract visitors, tourists and investors from across the globe. The airport is committed to enhance value and foster sustainable growth in accordance with international standards and environmental requirements.”
Perhaps the millions of visitors to this country who make their gateway through Jeddah cannot be faulted if they mistakenly believe that the director is talking about a new airport in the offing. But reality being what it is, our good director is speaking about none other than the pitiful airport we call KAIA.
Having heard such lofty statements from airport officials over the past two decades, I wonder if he expects us to believe that a small expansion of the overcrowded terminal is enough progress to warrant such words.
Unless one is using the VIP terminal where one’s luggage is quickly removed as they are driven to the steps of a secluded terminal and led to a cool and comfortable lounge where waiters serve dates and Arabic coffee, visitors and the general public alike are treated to an airport shabby in appearance and service. It makes me wonder how grand the director’s statements would be if he were to experience the travel procedures that most non-VIP passengers have to complete. Not to be outdone, our energetic mayor, speaking to the press after signing a memorandum of agreement with the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry stated that “this is the first practical step toward implementing the strategic plan for the development of Jeddah.” Now haven’t we heard something similar before?
He went on to say that the agreement would enable the private sector and the public sector to work together and make Jeddah an important city on the economic map and play a significant role in achieving sustained progress for the Kingdom.
In his own words: “The city plans to attract more people for education, tourism, work, residence and entertainment in an atmosphere of exuberance and security. It remains the focal point for pilgrims and visitors to Islam’s two most sacred mosques. Jeddah has a diversified economic base and deep-rooted trade traditions that will make it a unique international trade and tourist center.
The city is determined to achieve and maintain its sustainable development.” When, when, when, I ask! Jeddah residents have heard all this before. A couple of new flyovers, which in reality have done nothing to ease the city’s traffic congestion, cannot be construed as progress by our determined municipality.
Before embarking on a grand scheme toward reaching international standards, let us focus on some of the basic needs such as public parks and lavatories, paved streets and roads, and an effective sewage system to name a few. You certainly don’t expect international visitors to put up with all of what Jeddah is today. Especially after an ordeal at the airport on arrival.
Perhaps one day, my grandchildren may truly appreciate the international standards of this vibrant city being planned today. In the meantime though, we sit back and listen to more of the same.
