“This project is a significant step in the direction of more similar projects. We hope to start more residential projects soon, not only in Makkah but in all cities in the province, to cope with the rising population and accommodate people displaced by projects to reconstruct unplanned neighborhoods,” said Prince Khaled.
The prince also urged the mayor of Makkah to ensure all residential districts are beautifully designed “so that the entire Makkah looks like a blooming garden.”
The prince said the cheap residential project that is under construction is designed to benefit people who have been evacuated from their properties to make way for development projects in the city and newly married couples.
“Jeddah and other governorates will also see modern style constructions soon. Plots have been allocated for development in all governorates. A part of them will be allocated for government projects, commercial enterprises and charity works,” the prince said.
The prince rejected the suggestion that the implementation of the project to develop unplanned and undeveloped neighborhoods in Makkah was slow. “The project needs time as it is to be planned carefully. The land is either not ready for construction or the residents have not moved out,” he said.
“As the project is in the heart of the city, a large number of people living there need to be shifted. Before evacuating these properties, we have to make sure that the residents are properly rehabilitated. Another factor to be considered is that many residents in unplanned neighborhoods are non-Saudis illegally resident in the Kingdom and whose status needs be regularized,” he said, adding that the plight of children, women and old people should also be taken into consideration.
He said special committees have been set up to regularize the status of residents, for planning and construction and to study the residents’ social situation. “The projects involving unplanned neighborhoods are humanitarian as well. Such projects cannot be rushed like other projects for which uninhabited land is available. They should be implemented step by step and also with due consideration to the sentiments of Saudi and expatriate residents,” the prince said.
Regarding the emergency meeting scheduled for Sunday, the prince said all steps required to end issues related to rainfall including lack of flood drainage projects would be presented before the committee. “This issue should be addressed radically as early as possible and in the most effective manner,” the prince said.
