The decision was made at a council meeting chaired by Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, who is also chairman of the MDC, at his office in Jeddah.
The plan to develop east Jeddah, which was developed after detailed studies, will start in 13 months once rainwater channels and dams are opened up. Permanent sites for residential locations in the east of Jeddah are also to be prepared; the new residential district will also have seven bridges.
It was also decided to immediately pay compensation for properties acquired for developmental schemes in a manner that benefits property owners. For instance, the owners of homes covering 625 sq. meters and who do not have proper documents will be granted official title deeds for other plots.
Those whose property exceeds 900 sq. meters and do not have official title deeds will be granted title deeds in addition to half the market price of their original properties. The total cost of projects is estimated at SR652 million and will be paid to the company undertaking the work.
The council viewed a presentation prepared by the Education Department on projects that are to be implemented and others that have been approved for the 2010-2011 financial year. The presentation also included details on how closely past projects followed their time schedules.
The council reviewed the achievements of Prince Salman Center for Disability Research in the area of consultancy services and research programs. The council discussed ways of collaboration with other agencies to devise standards for buildings, which should also include means for disabled people to enter and exit the buildings.
The council also discussed a report on environment that stressed the need for standards to measure levels of environment pollution.
It deliberated on ways to ensure treatment of waste at new industrial cities and the need to lay down regulations for the treatment of waste in a way that is environment-friendly.
