People from the neighborhood, which lies between Palestine Street and King Abdullah Street toward the Corniche, are unhappy that their homes are to be demolished to make way for a modern residential area, a business district, hotels, shopping malls, restaurants, cafes and a massive Ferris wheel.
“We appeal to Almighty Allah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, Crown Prince Sultan and Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal to stop this unjust eviction,” said local resident Emad Al-Jahdali.
The company responsible for overseeing development projects in the district is the Ruwais Global Real Estate Company, which was inaugurated in July 2009 by Jeddah Mayor Adel Fakieh.
The first phase of determining how much compensation building owners should be awarded was supposed to have been finalized by the end of 2009. There is, however, a delay in this.
“I’m unemployed and there are more like me here,” said Abdullah Al-Jahdali, 60. “I inherited this house from my father. I live in one apartment and rent the others out to people. If my house gets demolished then where will I go with my family? There are 10 of us? I certainly won’t be able to live modestly. It doesn’t matter whether I move to the north or south of the city,” he added.
On Wednesday, a seven-member committee that is overseeing the development was welcomed by a hostile crowd of local residents who heckled the committee and disrupted its work.
Elderly people had also gathered at the Al-Ruwais mayor’s office. “I refuse to move out. I live with my family of 12 and I’m well in my 80s. I can’t just go somewhere else — that simply won’t suit me and my family,” said Bakheet Saeed.
“I heard that Prince Khaled had proposed to resolve the issue by offering people alternative accommodation. We want a solution and are all for that, we simply want to go somewhere safe and convenient to live,” he added.
The majority of elderly people at the office agreed that the compensation they are to receive is insufficient. They added that Al-Ruwais is a district rich with history and that greedy people are looking to make money. They also said that the development company has failed to explain to them where they will be housed, adding that they are disappointed that the media is describing the district as a “random neighborhood” (ashwa’iya).
“Our ancestors have been living in this area for more than 350 years. How much money will compensate that rich history?” Al-Jahdali asked. “Hypothetically speaking, if we were to receive SR50,000 for every square meter of land, then even that much cash is not worth one iota of our memories of this place and its rich history,” said Shaer Al-Harbi.
“I look after my entire family and there are 10 of us. We all live under the same roof. My seven sons have simple jobs and get paid humble salaries that are barely enough for our monthly costs,” said Abid Al-Jahdali. His views were echoed by another elderly resident who said he dreaded the idea of being evicted.
“We’re against being evicted and all for development of the district, its roads and services. Most buildings here are small and there is a need for development. We’re willing to improve our homes if we were to be give the necessary financial costs,” said an old man. “The eviction and demolishing notices have put tremendous pressure on us and our wives and children. We’re worried everything will be gone and we’ll be forced to move somewhere far away. We’ve no idea where we’ll be forced to move. It’s worse as we’ve been here for years,” said Al-Jahdali.
