By Mohammed Samih

Okaz/Saudi Gazette

MAKKAH — A number of citizens have lodged complaints at the Makkah municipality against a real estate developer that sold them residential apartments, saying the company did not fulfill its agreement with them.

The company has given them housing units near a trench. The residential building lacked basic public services such as drinking water and safety measures.

The citizens who have purchased flats in the building also complained about the leakage of water from toilets located above.

Nashaat Tayeb said the company did not fulfill its contract conditions.

“They have constructed the building in an area surrounded by slopes. There is a trench three meters deep near the building. The trench was dug to install sewage pipes but no safety measures have been taken to protect the residents,” he explained.

“People are likely to fall into this trench,” Tayeb told Okaz/Saudi Gazette.

He also complained about leakage in the ceiling because of poor construction. “The building, which is located in a densely populated district, does not have enough parking facilities,” he said.

Rami Al-Hikami said the company was not providing maintenance. “We have pad SR18,000 for maintenance,” he added.

He also complained about leakage of water in the upper floors. “We’ll ask the municipality to take action against the company for its poor construction and services,” he added.

Abdul Elah Kalantan said the company did not hand over the flat even after paying all the installments. He also complained about huge water bills exceeding SR600 monthly.

Adnan Bukhari said the company failed to fulfill the conditions of the contract. “It was supposed to hand over the flats within two years of signing the agreement,” he said.

“Six years have passed and many of us did not receive the flats,” he told Okaz/Saudi Gazette. “Those who have received their flats were surprised to see the construction flaws. The building having 26 flats has only one lift, he said, and urged the company to provide the flats with regular maintenance services.