Makkah plan is not 'just house building' 

(MENAFN - Arab News) Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal on Saturday underscored the need for making quick and concerted efforts to improve the living conditions of people in Makkah's unplanned districts.

"There should be relentless efforts to improve their conditions in the best possible manner in all spheres of life, including social, cultural, economic, health, humanitarian, security and education. The project for the development of unplanned districts is not restricted to construction of buildings but to improving all realms of public life in these districts," he said.

Prince Khaled, who is also chairman of the executive committee for the development of unplanned districts in Makkah, made the remarks while chairing the 11th meeting of the committee after making an inspection tour of five unplanned districts in Makkah.

The governor drew attention to the pathetic conditions of these districts, some of which are in the vicinity of the Grand Mosque. "These districts are lagging behind in all respects. People in these localities are living in unhealthy conditions. The project for the development of these areas also include improving the conditions of expatriates living legally," he said, while reiterating that no one without a valid Iqama (residence permit) will be allowed to live there.

Prince Khaled highlighted the religious, economic, social and cultural significance of developing these districts. "The project is being implemented in the holiest place on earth. It is essential we make Makkah a cultural model both in terms of place and people for all Muslims who come to Islam's holiest shrine," he said.