JAZAN — Al-Eshaima has reportedly become a safe haven for outlaws, even though it was once one of Jazan's most important neighborhoods. Prominent Jazan families used to inhabit the area, but have relocated to newly developed neighborhoods north of Jazan. The last remaining inhabitants are currently relocating as the area has become dominated by slums. Jazan residents do not view the neighborhood as the oldest in the city anymore, but as the most crime-stricken. Ten years ago, the municipality decided to tear down the district along with Al-Jabal neighborhood. These districts were built on uneven grounds and were at risk of collapsing. The municipality reimbursed residents for knocking down their houses and began demolishing the structures three years ago. As the residents evacuated the neighborhood, illegal immigrants took over. The neighborhood is close to mountainous areas, which has helped these people in promoting their criminal activities. The geographical nature of the area also provides these people safe storage for the illegal products they promote.Visitors to the neighborhood often realize they are in danger from the suspicious looks they get. If any of these illegal residents sense any signs of danger, they simply flee to the nearby mountains. Some flee because they are involved in promoting liquor and drugs, while others flee because they are only residency violators. Okaz/Saudi Gazette met with one of the residents preparing to move out of the area. He confirmed that the abandoned houses have become dangerous, as they are inhabited by bootleggers and drug pushers. Fakhri Farasani, an old-time resident of the area, said those who have already moved out have rented their houses to other legal residents. Those new residents have, however, invited a number of their countrymen who have no legal identities or are residency violators to live in these houses. The neighborhood residents, he added, are of low education and income levels, and comprise many non-Saudi nationalities. He believed that the only way to deal with this problem was to completely raze the houses. Another resident said car and house thefts were common in neighboring districts. Ghalib Hindi, a Saudi resident, said Arab and African nationals inhabit Al-Eshaima and engage in illegal activities, including thefts in neighboring districts. They are especially active during weekends, since illegal housemaids work in houses all week long and spend their weekend in the neighborhood, he said. Spokesman for Jazan police Col. Awadh Al-Qahtani said security campaigns are conducted regularly in all areas, Al-Eshaima included. He said that there have been many arrests of liquor and drugs dealers. He asked citizens to refrain from renting out their houses to illegal residents. He added that citizens should act as the first line of defense and notify police of any suspicious activities.
