By Ahmad Al-Meqdam

Okaz/Saudi Gazette

JEDDAH – Ghulail neighborhood in south Jeddah has been suffering from underdevelopment for many years. Random houses are everywhere and no planning seems to be the common denominator of the houses, roads, lanes, and most areas in the neighborhood. The wheel of development seems to have stopped turning here.

Most streets are in a dilapidated condition while overflown sewage water is everywhere because of poor sewage network, causing numerous public health threats. There are several abandoned and dilapidated buildings which are used by some criminals.

The authorities announced the implementation of development projects in the neighborhood several years ago but none has been implemented so far. Many citizens have deserted the neighborhood toward north Jeddah, leaving their houses behind, which are used by violators of residency regulations. Abandoned cars are almost everywhere, causing traffic jams while some use them to stash contraband.

Salim Al-Qarni, one of the residents, said most of the streets are not asphalted and cars get damaged quickly. Sewage water pools have led to the spread of various diseases such the dengue fever.

Khalid Al-Shamrani, a resident, said water supply gets cut for a long time and many residents end up paying money to water tank drivers who take advantage of the situation and raise the prices. He called upon the authorities to develop the neighborhood and rebuild its infrastructure.

Khalid Asiri, a resident, called upon the Jeddah Municipality to remove the accumulated garbage that can be seen everywhere in the neighborhood.

“Ghulail enjoys a strategic location. I do not understand why its infrastructure has not been developed until now,” he said.