MAKKAH — Current projects in Makkah to establish a new water network, roads and flyovers have created the problem of debris constantly being left near construction sites and other nearby empty spaces, Al-Riyadh reported. During a tour, the newspaper found cement, wires, lampposts and other materials being dumped all over the holy city, especially at its entrance points. Saleh Al-Hathly, a Makkah resident, said debris was spoiling the sites at the entrance of Makkah from the Taif side. He said: “In every city, the municipality works hard to make the entrance of the city beautiful for visitors. “At the entrance point from Al-Sharaie near Taif, we greet visitors and pilgrims with the ugly scene of construction materials and heavy equipment on the side of the road. “There is a fleet of heavy machinery and damaged cars and other heavy construction trucks on the side of the road. “What we need is beautiful trees and colorful sidewalks.” Obaid Saleem, another Makkah citizen, criticized construction companies for being “careless” about disposing waste. He said: “Let us take the example of the third ring road on old Jeddah road. “The construction companies are dumping their waste materials everywhere. “There are tons of waste materials and hundreds of trucks dumping their waste. “This is a big problem for Makkah residents because the pollution coming from the waste materials will affect us.” Awad Muawaad, Makkah businessman, said it is not only construction companies that leave their garbage in the open in the city, but also small businesses. He said: “Take for example furniture companies, which leave their waste in the open. “Same with car repair shops; they also leave damaged cars, engines and waste in the open. “This is not how Makkah should be. “Soon it will be Ramadan and Haj and we will receive millions of pilgrims and visitors and this is not the way we should receive our pilgrims.” Fahd Al-Harbi, investor in the tourism sector, said Makkah needs to redevelop streets and open spaces. He said local authorities should look at the successful examples of other international cities in this field and emulate them. He said: “We should have innovation. The waste materials of big projects are not an innovation and should be dealt with quickly.”
