Efforts are under way to develop the Ghaba Sharqiya (Eastern Forest) into an important tourist landmark in the Jeddah shortly, said an official of Jeddah Development Company. The forest located on the eastern part of Jeddah currently attracts a large number of Saudi and expat families who spend their spare time there during weekends. Covering an area of 2.7 million square meters, the forest has 80,000 trees including camphor and casuarinas as well as 8,200 sq. m. of greeneries supported by aromatic plants. Speaking about the new project, the official said it would have a mosque, a tent for the elderly, toilets for men and women, a water pumping station, a control room, 90 light posts, a fire-fighting vehicle, an observation tower and a room for the generator. "The place is under development as part of Murooj Jeddah project and once completed it would transform the forest into an important tourist landmark in the city," the official told Madina Arabic daily on condition of anonymity. "The dryness of trees in the forest is caused by lack of water and it presently depends mainly on sewage water, which is supplied through tankers," he explained. The forest was constructed to make use of the recycled sewage water in 2008 and was handed over to the company in 2010 for operation and maintenance. The forest will remain open to the public from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., he said. The new project was planned following complaints of citizens who said the forest lacked essential public facilities including light and water as well as cleanliness and a good road system. The municipality defended itself by saying the place was not included among the tourist resorts. Majed Al-Nahari, a citizen, said the forest required lighting as people are now forced to leave the area before sunset. Due to lack of sign boards people often find it difficult to get out of the forest. "I wonder why the municipality did not provide necessary facilities after it developed the place as a recreational center for people living in the eastern part of Jeddah," he asked. Abdul Majeed Al-Garni said the facility lacked cleanliness. "We can see garbage accumulated in various parts of the forest," he said and urged the municipality to ensure cleanliness of the forest in order to protect the health of citizens and residents who visit the place daily. Ahmed Al-Hashmi stressed the need to construct a proper road system to the forest. "It also required resting places for the elderly and sitting arrangements for visitors." Mahfouz Batrafi said the forest and its trees required proper care from authorities. "There must be an irrigation system to strengthen the trees and expand the area of greeneries." Batrafi accused some visitors of cutting the trees and use the wood for cooking purpose. "This should not be allowed," he added. Fawaz Al-Zahrani urged the municipality to establish a first-aid center inside the forest while Abdul Mansour Murtada stressed the need to construct toilets for men and women.
