Expats ‘monopolize’ vegetable market

Several citizens who are regular customers at the Jeddah’s vegetable (halaga) market on Kilo 14 have complained that expats are monopolizing business activity at the market, giving little chance for would-be traders to make a start.
These citizens have also deplored hygiene and safety standards at the scene, which they say is filled with exposed electric wires and foul odors from rotten fruit and vegetable produce.
Nearby restaurants are filled with insects and rubbish despite municipality assurance that daily inspections are being conducted at the site.
“The area is filled with illegal expats, many of whom suffer from infectious diseases that they can pass on to customers,” said Kamal Al-Sharif, a citizen.
“Still, these expats manage to openly work without legal documentation and no one to watch over them. This workforce does not fear anyone. Indeed, workers often fight with customers without fear of being arrested or even being held accountable for violations.”
“The exposed electric wires that dangle from the ceilings of kiosks are a fire hazard waiting to happen,” said Faisal Al-Jahni, another citizen. “I have notified the Civil Defense and the municipality about this matter, but nothing has been done.”