The Jeddah Municipality plans to install hidden surveillance cameras along the entire corniche to identify people damaging restrooms, uprooting trees, and destroying other public infrastructure.

The municipality decided on this move after receiving reports of the extent of the vandalism, said Abdulaziz Al-Ghamdi, spokesman of the municipality, in a statement to Arab News on Thursday.

Al-Ghamdi said people also damage the large sculptures, lighting, and playgrounds. He called on the public to respect public property.

He said the municipality has commissioned a local company to prepare a study on the plan, and would announce details of the initiative at a later stage. He said the municipality is committed to providing a suitable entertainment area for residents.

Several residents said that there are few entertainment options for visitors and complained about the dilapidated appearance of the area.

Mohammed Turki said visitors want more entertainment choices, and better maintenance of bathrooms and gardens. He said the municipality should also provide spaces for motorcyclists so that they do not use the walkways at the corniche, which scares children and their families.

Abdullah Al-Otaibi said the municipality should provide more garbage cans, and welcomed the plan to introduce cameras. He said the authorities should also send more inspectors to the corniche.

Saeed Al-Harthy agreed. “We travel every month from Taif to relax at the corniche, but it's not in good shape.”

Meanwhile, Al-Ghamdi said that the municipality plans to build a special section for barbecues on the corniche, away from trees in the area.