Al-Otaiba area in Makkah becoming a slum: Residents

JEDDAH: The Al-Otaiba neighborhood in Makkah is fast becoming a slum with criminals selling drugs, poor waste services and unlicensed traders hawking counterfeit goods, say residents. The old neighborhood, or Al-Hayi Al-Ateeq as it was called, started deteriorating when its original residents moved to the suburbs, according to a recent report in a local publication.
Mohammad Al-Sharif, a resident, said many fabric and clothes merchants had originally lived in the neighborhood. “It used to be called Al-Qumash market. When the merchants left, many Asians and Africans moved in, many of whom were illegal residents trying to get away from the police.
Some residents have complained to the Jarwal police station and the chief of the neighborhood, he said, adding that raids have not been effective. “These people disappear during the raids and return later. Many of our children and youths have fallen prey to these criminals,” he said.
Saeed Al-Rabghi, a government employee, said: “We have lived in Al-Otaiba since we were children. Some of the streets have become more like marshes because of the sewage, which is a health threat. We have complained to the municipality, but this has fallen on deaf ears.”




He said there are many damaged vehicles scattered throughout the area, making access and parking difficult. Many are now afraid that the cars would be damaged because of this situation, he said.
In addition, the municipality’s waste trucks cannot enter some areas causing garbage to pile up. The Civil Defense also has this problem, which makes rescue operations difficult, he added.
Salem Al-Harbi, another resident, said there are many street vendors selling fake goods roaming around. “They also sell fruit, vegetables and canned food in front of municipal officials, especially during the evenings.”
Another problem is that there are many people driving motorcycles in the center of the popular market, polluting the environment with emissions and noise, he said.
Issa Al-Jezani, a resident, said that the accumulation of garbage is particularly bad during Ramadan. In addition, there is often a shortage of water, which sees the owners of water tankers charge exorbitant prices.
He said there were many brokers operating who provide locals with illegal housemaids and domestic workers. There were also several people selling homemade food in the streets without licenses.