JEDDAH: In front of a government department in Prince Miteb Street sits a Saudi man in his mid-40s with an amputated right leg, begging for treatment and a job.
Visitors to the government department are used to seeing the beggar, whose leg was amputated after a car accident two years ago.
Advanced stage gangrene has set in his other leg, which is often bleeding.
Every time people complain about the man, the Anti-Beggary Department moves him on. Yet he always returns to the same place after two days.
Arab News approached the man to ask about his condition and whether he was receiving help. At first he was hesitant and refused to speak or have his picture taken.
He asked either to be given money or be left alone.
Eventually the beggar, who goes by the name Abu Hasan, started to open up.
“There is no hope in this world. I have visited all government departments asking for help, but with no result,” he said.
“My physical and financial condition does not allow me to go asking for help every day. When the Passport Department arrests me, instead of giving me any help they ask me to sign a paper promising not to beg anymore. What do I do with this paper? I cannot eat it,” he added.
Abu Hasan has visited government hospitals to receive treatment but each time they give him medicine that does not cure his condition. He said that he has tried herbal medicine but it does not help.
“It does not look good for my other leg but I am trying my best to keep it. There is nothing much I can do to cure it.”
A Saudi man visiting the government department started shouting inside at people for not helping Abu Hasan.
The man, who did not reveal his name, said he is surprised that no one is contacting the relevant authorities.
He said that he went to each department manager in the building but all refused to take responsibility.
Abu Hasan told Arab News before he left that all he needs is an honest job and treatment for his sickness and he hopes that his voice would be heard.
