MAKKAH: Residents of one of Makkah’s oldest and densely populated districts, Al-Hindawiyah, which is also known as Al-Quraniyah, complain that the district is neglected by the authorities and is now a haven for illegal foreigners.
Locals say the area is replete with deserted homes that are used by criminal elements for unethical purposes. “The streets are badly asphalted, the supply of water is constantly disrupted and the district is a haven for squatters,” said one local resident.
The most serious problem facing the district, according to Saudi resident Hassan Al-Saad, is the presence of illegal foreigners. “There’s a large number of them. These people influence Saudi youths in the district with their unethical habits. Some local women are also influenced by this,” he said.
Al-Saad said that, in addition to their improper behavior, these illegal foreigners sell unhealthy food.
“The streets are very narrow and overcrowded, especially at the peak hours in the morning and afternoon when schools open and close. There are also not enough parking in the district. The security patrols and traffic police should increase their presence,” he added.
Zaini Al-Ayed, another Saudi resident, said some foreigners buy old cars from scrap yards, take spare parts and dump the leftover chassis in the streets. “There are loads of junk cars which take a lot of space,” he said.
He added that there is also a tendency for people who have homes on the side of a mountain in the district to leave their vehicles in streets at the bottom, something that adds to congestion.
Al-Ayed said he has been living in Al-Hindawiyah for over 30 years but has not seen any change or development to improve the area. “Nothing has changed. If there is any change in our district, it is for the worse,” he said.
Hamid Al-Qarni complained about the number of deserted homes in the district that are used for illegal purposes. “Mosques are also often neglected. Cats come and go out freely. Mosques need maintenance but nothing is done,” he said.
Al-Qarni also complained about the uneven surfaces of roads and potholes that damage cars. “The condition of the district becomes very bad after it rains. It is submerged by water which drowns cars and bares electric cables causing serious safety problems,” he said.
An old woman told Arab News that she was sick of living in the district, which is full of “drug-abusers” and men who harass women when they venture out in the evenings. “Criminals, both foreigners and Saudis, use deserted homes for unethical practices,” she said, recalling that a young Saudi girl was recently raped by her drug-addict uncle.
Spokesman for Makkah police Maj. Abdul Mohsen Al-Maiman said police maintain a continual presence in the district. “We regularly check the identities of foreigners living in the district and look for criminals,” he said. He also warned the owners of deserted homes and courtyards to guard their properties properly.
Al-Maiman asked all residents, including citizens and expatriates, to inform the police about anything suspicious they might see by telephoning 999. He assured that their identities would be protected. Arab News
