MAKKAH, 9 November 2007 — Muhammad Salih, a 56-year-old Saudi, has waited a long time to own a piece of land he was promised only to be finally told that he can now enjoy it as long as he pays SR14,000, which he says he cannot afford.
“When my 26-year-old disabled son and I arrived at the municipality to take possession we were told that the land we have been allotted is 1009.28 square meters and that there is a rule saying we can only take 900 square meters. In order to claim ownership of the remaining 109,28 square meters we have to pay SR14,000,” said Salih.
“How can they expect me to pay this amount? I have two disabled children. One is Ali, 26, who is undergoing treatment in Jordan. The other is Ibrahim, 24. I have a third son who is suffering from obesity and I too suffer from high blood pressure and diabetes,” he said.
“How can I afford to pay for my family costs and an additional SR14,000 when I am only a driver with a low salary?” he added. Salih, with tears swelling in his eyes, called on goodhearted persons to help him get the land for his family, which they all have been dreaming to own for several years.
