The recent vandalism on Jeddah’s new Corniche is pitiful and something of which we as a society should be ashamed. This does not befit the traditions and culture of a civilized people.

I have great love for my city, greater than anything, which is what makes me ask: Why do we misuse public property? It is the property of the country, not of individuals, so why do some people think that they have the right to misuse it?

The state has exerted its utmost effort and has spent billions on the project to make a beautiful seafront for the city of Jeddah, and it has succeeded in creating a sophisticated and a world-class venue for the public to enjoy.

A radio commentator spoke harshly about the recent vandalism that has taken place on the newly opened section of the Corniche and it made me sad but also very angry as I listened to it.

This is why I am calling for a change in the mentality of society in which some people seem to demonstrate ignorance and cultural backwardness in every sense of the word. And it is because of this that vandalism and hatred have reached public places.

I am not the kind of person who likes to complain and speak negatively of anyone or anything, but I feel that those who have engaged in vandalizing a beautiful public place have gone too far and this has to be spoken of.

There should be fines imposed and severe penalties for those who commit such unlawful acts. And we must all examine our own conscience and ask ourselves why we follow the laws when we are overseas and yet refuse to do so when we are in our own country. And why do we vandalize our environment when we need to present our cities to the world in the best way possible?

These are questions that need to be answered.

Jawaher Zahran,

Jeddah

(The author is a freelance writer, journalist and blogger and the founder of the online newsletter YOU! Newsletter. She can be reached at: jawaherzahran@yahoo.com Follow her on Twitter: @jay_SMZ)