MAKKAH — Citizens have complained to authorities about unlicensed warehouses and the potential hazards they bring to their neighborhoods in the city. Saud Al-Harbi said there are numerous unlicensed warehouses lodged in narrow alleys and tight spaces. He said: “These overstuffed warehouses will cause fires and threaten our lives. “Actually, that already happened to a textiles warehouse in Al-Mansour Street in Al-Nakasah District. “Thankfully, there were no fatalities or injuries but there is no guarantee the same result will happen next time.” He added these warehouses are mostly run by expatriates and that local authorities should be responsible for the safety of citizens and the city's environment. “Authorities should constantly inspect the streets to shut down unlicensed warehouses and ensure that licensed warehouses follow safety and security procedures. “Moreover, there should not be any warehouses in residential neighborhoods in the first place.” Mohammad Ammar said people are turning basements and rooftops into warehouses and authorities should put an end to this “dangerous” practice. He said: “There should not be any warehouses in residential areas and on main roads. “The authorities should apply strict regulations and penalties against unlicensed and hazardous warehouses. “Workers usually dump construction debris, cardboard boxes and furniture in some backyard.” A source from Makkah Municipality said the local authority is running regular inspection campaigns and all violations committed are recorded. He said: “We do apply the appropriate punishment for anyone who violates the municipality's regulations. “However, the municipality is not responsible for protecting citizens' safety. “The responsibility of safety and security falls on other authorities.”
