JEDDAH: Slum development in the Kingdom together with the increase in investments will improve the overall quality of Saudi life.
Experts in real estate said the policy of providing basic services and job opportunities will help nearly 20 percent of the 31 million people in the country.
According to Khalid Al-Dobaie, a real estate expert, slum development includes buildings, public services, roads and infrastructure which will have a positive effect on the living condition of residents and citizens.
He stressed the establishment of a fund to implement the development plan, focusing mainly on providing basic services such as clean drinking water, schools and adequate projects.
Saud Al-Marzoki, a businessman, urged the public sector firms in cities like Jeddah, Makkah and Taif for more collaboration with private sector for the slum development projects. The majority of slum areas, he said, are currently suffering from neglect, noting that by achieving development of these areas, we would be contributing to provide health and social care for a sector deprived of basic services for many years.
Dr. Sahar Rejab, a social worker, said recent studies showed weak social and health aspects for slum residents and delaying solutions is unjustified.
She urged municipalities to swiftly set building regulations and standards for development works that should take into consideration the nature of each region and conserve its characteristics.
Rajab believes that the development work would restore the soul to a lot of archaeological and historical areas that have not witnessed a sign of development nor modernization for many years.
“The right beginning of development work starts from the conviction of people themselves about the importance of the project in improving the quality of their life for them and future generations, as well as the availability of necessary determination from regional governorates and officials of various municipalities,” she said.
Development plan sought for slums
Development plan sought for slums
