Ashwaq Al-Tuwairqi Okaz/Saudi Gazette MAKKAH — Residents of charitable old age homes in Makkah are complaining that they live in pitiful conditions. The absence of safety means and maintenance is threatening their lives and draining their already poor financial capabilities, they claimed. Residents of Al-Khair Elderly Home are worried their building might collapse any time, while pedestrians are afraid of passing by it. The building has deteriorated on the outside and its ceilings have decayed, revealing electricity cables and endangering widowed and elderly residents as well as their children. Um Saeed said the home is more than 60 years old and all the residents are living on social security pension and philanthropists' handouts. She said the ceiling has decayed due to humidity and has exposed electrical wires that are a potential disaster. Water cuts are common and residents have to pay for tankers to deliver water to the homes. Um Saeed said the Civil Defense has twice warned the home caretaker to perform the required maintenance after a fire erupted in an apartment last year. She claims the caretaker has asked the residents to evacuate the home, as he is not willing to contract a company to carry out the required maintenance. The thought of evacuating the home has increased residents' worries, especially as they have nowhere to go. Zainab, a widow who provides for five children, one of whom is handicapped, said that elderly homes are marginalized and lack the basic necessities. She claimed that the caretakers humiliate and insult the residents and keep reminding them that there are others who would like to live in these homes. She said there are financially capable families living in these homes in addition to women who have well-paid government jobs. Um Hasan said maintaining the apartment costs her half of her social security pension. She also has to take care of electricity bills and contribute with other residents to pay for water tankers. There are also concerns about the anti-social behavior of youths in neighborhoods where these homes are situated. These youths disturb the residents with their motorcycles and engage in anti-social behavior all night long. Shadi Junbee, a social activist, said most charitable elderly homes in Makkah are old and in a shambles. She said these homes are not suitable for living in and lack maintenance and medical services that most residents need. Most of the women who reside in these homes are widowed, divorced or elderly. They are in need of buildings where safety and security measures are implemented, she said, adding that elderly residents want elevators, and the needs of the handicapped should also be catered for. Most of these homes are in slum areas and are set to be removed for government projects. As such, the residents are at risk of being evicted and becoming homeless. She believes that the Ministry of Social Affairs in coordination and the participation of other government ministries and organizations should build new homes for the needy women throughout the country. Such projects will limit the arrogant behavior of some caretakers, who allegedly rent some of these apartments to expatriate families.
