JEDDAH, 9 April — The government is planning to establish a historic project in Mina — 10 kilometers east of Makkah — to develop the Jamrat (stoning) area in a way that would serve pilgrims for hundreds of years, according to Makkah Governor Prince Abdul Majeed.
“It will be a historic project and will serve pilgrims for hundreds of years,” the governor said during an open dialogue with outstanding students here yesterday. He said the Makkah Development Authority has already presented a proposal to higher authorities on the project.
On the peace initiative of Crown Prince Abdullah, deputy premier and commander of the National Guard, he said the crown prince made the proposal when he realized the dangerous situation in the Middle East. “He also wanted to prove that Arabs are advocates of peace.”
The governor referred to the positive international response to the peace initiative which has been endorsed by the recently concluded Arab summit in Beirut. “Peace could be achieved if the plan is implemented. And if Israel rejects the plan, the world would then understand that it does not want peace,” he added. He cautioned against enemy moves to thwart the new peace initiative.
Prince Abdul Majeed disclosed the plan to establish a private university in the Makkah region, adding that the project will depend on the number of secondary graduates and setting up of science and technical colleges.
Referring to the Saudization drive in the Makkah region, the prince said the governorate had succeeded in providing jobs to 50,000 Saudis including women within a year.
“We have plans to train Saudis to work as animal slaughterers, especially during the Haj season.”
Efforts are also under way to establish an institute in the region to train male and female nurses.
The governor expressed his objection to centralized administration, saying it would only waste time and money. “Every region should do what is required for citizens in that area. For any problem in the Makkah region, the governor will be responsible,” he pointed out.
Prince Abdul Majeed also spoke on the ongoing efforts to modernize Jeddah Corniche.
He said that authorities have found that many school buildings in the region were not suitable for housing schools.
The prince urged businessmen to support brilliant students in the country. He emphasized the importance of Saudi students gaining proficiency in English language.
