MADINAH, 18 March 2006 — Owners of stores along the north wall of the Al-Baqee cemetery in Madinah are in a quandary over the municipality’s decision not to renew their licenses.
The shop owners last week received letters informing them that they will be evicted after their current licenses expire.
The small stores that run along the cemetery wall mostly sell trinkets, clothing and refreshments and have been there for as long as anyone can remember.
These small-time entrepreneurs said they considered the decision as sudden and harsh and will put them on the street. Some say that they may end up in prison, unable to pay back loans taken out to open their operations.
“We have not committed any violation,” said shopkeeper Hamed Al-Saadi. “We’ve met safety standards set by the Fire Department and rents are paid on time. They threatened to force the evacuation by disconnecting electricity. They did not say why they want us to evacuate, but the reason is clear: They want other investors that would pay more.”
Al-Saadi said for many storeowners these shops are the only source of income. He urged the municipality to reconsider the decision.
“We still do not know why they are trying to kick us out even though we are paying rent on time,” said Abdul Rahman Marzooq, another storeowner. “This is my only source of income and I have been in this place for more than 11 years. I do not know where to go.”
Attempts by Arab News to get the Madinah Municipality’s side of the story were met by a refusal to comment.
