Saudi Gazette report JEDDAH — Rundown houses in the Faisaliah neighborhood of Jeddah conceal, among other things, illegal activities. Workshops for motorcycles, calligraphy and gypsum plants are widespread in the area. Expat teachers conduct private lessons within these houses as well. The neighborhood is adjacent to Tahliah Street, and is in a pitiful condition. Fuel tanks on rooftops and fuel trucks frequenting the neighborhood are common scenes. Residents say some expat teachers conduct private lessons in these old houses. Residency violators have also established repair workshops. In addition, some Asian workers started a gypsum plant that bypasses all safety measures. Fuel tanks on rooftops are widespread, presenting a possible fire hazard. The overflow of sewage is also a health hazard, and a source of bad smell and insects. A Saudi discovered a calligraphy plant with printing equipment within a house. Store signs and advertisement boards are being prepared there without the required permits. A worker said the boards cost between SR3,000 and SR10,000, and business is flourishing. A worker in a motorcycle repair shop said he has been working there for years. The business is licensed, he said, and he has customers from other cities also. Damaged motorcycles were pilled up along a nearby street, hindering traffic. Abdul Aziz Al-Nahari, spokesman for the Jeddah municipality, said municipal supervisors conduct inspection rounds and monitor violations. He added that it is difficult to assign a supervisor for every neighborhood. He stressed the important role of citizens to report such violations. He also pointed to unfortunate practice of some citizens who rent their houses to illegal residents, without any consideration for the public interest.
