JEDDAH: The new Makkah development strategy aims to make the holy city a role model for the Kingdom and the Islamic world, Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal told reporters recently, adding that the implementation of the strategy has already started.
The prince also disclosed plans to transform Jeddah’s Effat and Dar Al-Hekma colleges into independent universities to reduce pressure on King Abdulaziz University. He further reiterated the government’s resolve to fight corruption and bribery.
“We have to practice the teachings of the Qur’an and Sunnah to reach the level of advanced countries,” Al-Jazirah Arabic daily quoted Prince Khaled telling reporters.
He said the Makkah development strategy is centering on the Holy Kaaba, adding that it is focusing on developing human beings and achieving sustained and balanced development for all major cities and towns in the region.
The strategy has given priority to the development of people through education and training, improvement of Haj and Umrah services, solving the water problem by increasing supply and the expansion of infrastructure facilities.
He said a number of new projects have been planned for the overall development of Makkah province.
They include development of the underdeveloped residential districts, Jeddah’s northern and southern Corniche, and new tourism projects in Taif, Qunfuda and Al-Laith.
Prince Khaled described the plan to develop the underdeveloped residential districts in Makkah and Jeddah as one of the Kingdom’s largest projects.
The plan aims to improve the situation of people living in underdeveloped districts. Prince Khaled, who is chairman of the executive committee for the development of underdeveloped districts, said there are 60 such districts in Makkah and 52 in Jeddah.
“It’s not just making housing plans, rather it is a comprehensive humanitarian, social, cultural, health, educational and security project,” he said. The project will change the shape of underdeveloped districts, which will have new shopping centers, hospitals, schools and housing complexes. Residents of these areas would be given adequate time to vacate their houses and housed in new homes built in suburban areas.
People who own land in the area will have three choices: Have shares in the companies developing the areas, sell their property to the companies, or receive a suitable house in exchange for their present home.
“Everyone who was living in the area will get a new house, even if the cost of the new house is higher than the value of their property. The difference will be met by the company that is developing the area,” said Prince Khaled. He added that the development strategy for Makkah province was devised in light of his 30-years expertise as governor of Asir province and his experince with the Riyadh Development Authority.
“We have to promote a culture of development among members of the community. It will certainly have great impact on their behavior and lifestyle,” he said.
Prince Khaled said the private sector would have a greater role in carrying out development projects in the province. “We expect no less than 40 percent participation from the private sector.”
He said measures have been taken to improve the performance of government departments in the province. “We have also taken new initiatives to improve the services being rendered to pilgrims who come for Haj and Umrah,” he added.
