The demolishing of Dammam scrap yard began on Wednesday amid the protests of store and warehouse owners at the site. The Eastern Province Mayoralty, Police and Civil Defense ordered the demolition in order to address problems caused by the scrap yard and put an end to unlicensed construction. Shop owners, aggrieved at the move which they described as “surprising”, have hired legal representation to take the Mayoralty to court and demand compensation for damages. Their lawyer, Husam Al-Labeedi, has started collecting letters of attorney from 145 shopkeepers affected by the demolition. Husein Al-Blooshi, Director of Public Relations in the Eastern Province Mayoralty, said the mayoralty was a party to the situation and also laid partial responsibility with the Emir's Office, Civil Defense and the police. Al-Blooshi said all concerned had been notified and given a period of grace before the demolition. Work, he said, would open streets through the scrap yards and improve planning in the area. Shopkeepers in the scrap yard, he emphasized, did not hold permits for their activities. Workers at the yard say they have been working in the business for over 20 years and that the occupation is their source for earning their daily bread. Al-Labeedi said there were errors in the demolition process as well as the damage and destruction of property. After obtaining on Wednesday 50 letters of attorney out of 145 people, those affected will file a lawsuit for compensation from the government departments involved in the case. Al-Labeedi added that a demand would be made for an alternative location. – Okaz __
