Ahmed Al-Sulami Okaz/Saudi Gazette JEDDAH — A large number of Saudis living in one of the oldest residential districts in East Jeddah are leaving the area because they say it has aged and lacks proper civic services. Some of the Saudis still living in the Al-Jame'ah District said about 70 percent of their compatriots have left to live in other developed areas in Jeddah. They said the Saudis who left were replaced by African and Asian foreigners. The district, which received its name from King Abdulaziz University, has become a haven for clashes among foreign dwellers, small thefts, constant sewage water leakages and African women scavengers searching garbage bins for dry bread and other leftovers. Lampposts have been ignored and have remained without their bulbs being replaced, while there are no longer any more green areas. The streets are not asphalted and are bumpy. Popular restaurants that could probably be penalized for a number of violations have mushroomed in the deserted district and there are no or very little civic services. The Saudis who left the district have rented their homes to illegal foreigners, who have completely dominated the residential quarter. Mohammed Al-Majrashi, a Saudi planning to leave the area, said he was born and raised in the district but is now considering moving away after it started showing signs of old age and a lack of municipal services. "I will rent my home to a foreigner and go and live in another more advanced district with proper civic services," he said. Many Saudis still living in the district complained about the lack of proper civic services including maintenance and cleanliness. They said dirt has filled the old streets and accumulating in front of their homes. They also said rodents and insects are freely roaming the district day and night. Fahd Al-Malki, Hamdan Al-Marwani and Obaid Al-Malki said the streets are narrow and full of bumps and rubbish that if there was a fire, fire engines would not be able to enter. Salim Bahloul, one of the few remaining Saudis living in the area, said he went to the branch municipality to complain about the quality of municipal services but was told that individual complaints would not be accepted. Bahloul said the district is being ignored even though it is only 30 meters away from the university that bears the name of King Abdulaziz. Fahd Al-Malki said rats were not only eating into the foundations of residents' homes but also getting access to their food. Abdullatif Al-Mohammadi said the district is no longer a suitable place to live in. "I am forcing myself to stay because my children are attending schools in the district and moving them at this time may affect their education," he said.
