Okaz/Saudi Gazette JEDDAH — Digging works in Jeddah's Aziziyah District has tarnished its image and residents fear the deep trenches created along the road would endanger their lives and their families. Aziziyah, one of the most populated districts in Jeddah is located along Prince Muhammad Bin Abdul Aziz (Tahliya) Street. It also hosts a number of Saudi and international schools including Indian and Pakistani schools. "Aziziyah was one of the posh districts but authorities did not pay much attention for its development. As a result many Saudis have left the district looking for better services," Yasser Zakariya told Okaz/Saudi Gazette. "We can see digging works all over the district with the intent of reducing surface water level," he said, adding that the district does not face surface water problem. Zakariya said the National Water Company should have solved the district's sewage problem instead of focusing on surface water problem. He advised NWC to make use of the present digging works to implement the much-wanted sewage network. "The NWC has dug three-meter deep trenches and could not find surface water. However, the trenches have threatened the safety of residents, especially children. Some people have fallen in these trenches," Zakariya said. Abusalman denounced authorities for their continuous negligence toward Aziziyah. "We have been demanding basic services for the last 20 years but authorities have given a deaf ear toward our requests. Sewage water is one of the district's major problems," he explained. He wondered why NWC was focusing on surface water, which is not an issue in the district. He proposed that the present digging work should be utilized to implement a sewage network. "We wanted the Jeddah municipality to provide greater attention to Aziziyah by implementing required development and service projects. Some parts of the district lack street lights," he added. Khaled Al-Ahmady emphasized the need to improve municipality services in the district. "Aziziyah is one of the most populated cities in Jeddah but it lacks many basic services," he said. Al-Ahmady said the lack of a modern sewage system has caused health problems in the district. Surfacing of sewage water produces mosquitoes and spreads various diseases. Ali Al-Ghanimi spoke about growing traffic of vehicles in the district, especially after completion of an underpass and a flyover on nearby Prince Muhammad Bin Abdul Aziz Street. He also urged the municipality to improve services in the district and repair its road system.
