JEDDAH, 25 November 2002 — Asir Governor Prince Khaled Al-Faisal has disclosed plans to develop 11 centers in the southern Asir region as part of the Kingdom’s efforts to fight poverty.
The move follows a call from Crown Prince Abdullah, deputy premier and commander of the National Guard, to take effective steps to eliminate poverty in the country.
Addressing a press conference here Saturday night, Prince Khaled said the decision to develop the 11 centers was taken after detailed studies, which took a year.
“The project will help achieve the Islamic concept of social support,” the governor said and called upon wealthy Saudi businessmen and philanthropists to support the new charitable and development venture.
The governor said a committee comprising government officials and citizens conducted a detailed study on the areas which require development. Six of the selected areas are located northeast of the Asir region while the remaining five are in the Tihama region.
“Development plans for the areas have been approved by municipalities and the projects will be implemented within the next five years,” he added.
The projects will include schools for both boys and girls, health centers and social service centers in addition to water, electricity and telecommunication services.
He said certain areas in the region were not developed because of transport and communication difficulties. “These areas will be given priority in the new development plan to bring them on par with other areas in the region.”
The areas selected for development include Marba, Wadi Al-Hayya, Ainllawi, Saeeda Assawaleha and Al-Ain. The Asir governorate has already implemented a number of charitable projects in Habla, Hareeda and Qahma to meet the needs of the poor.
Prince Sultan charitable housing project in Qahma was opened last year.
