Although the Tandabawee neighborhood, named after a tree that possess innumerable health benefits, is located southwest of the Grand Mosque, its residents complain the long-neglected neighborhood is full of undocumented workers, criminals, dilapidated buildings and vendors selling expired food products and produce. Okaz/Saudi Gazette toured the neighborhood and spoke to residents about the problem they face.
In the past, pilgrims used to visit the neighborhood to see its famous well, which had dried out but these days piles of garbage, visible throughout the neighborhood, keep any potential visitors at bay. The garbage piles remain on the streets for days providing ample breeding conditions for mosquitos and flies. Garbage scavengers make the situation worse as they rip open bags looking for recyclables, strewing garbage everywhere.
Residents also said street hawkers can often be seen pushing trolleys containing prepared meals, canned foods and even fruit and vegetables for sale at lower than market prices.
Resident Siraj Salih Hawsawee said the neighborhood lies on a bed of fresh water. There are several wells in the neighborhood, which are used by residents during water shortages.
Al-Hindi Well dates back to 200 years and is still operational today. “The well was built by an Indian pilgrim who visited Makkah to perform Haj and wanted to make a charitable act that would be remembered,” Al-Hawsawee said.
Meanwhile, abandoned buildings in the neighborhood have turned into safe havens for illegal workers and stray dogs. Some residents said drug dealers use the buildings to stash their contraband and said they often see young men going into the buildings at night, staying for a short time and then leaving. “Only God knows what's going on inside these buildings at night. We're scared to death for our children. Authorities should demolish these buildings or put windows and doors and lock them up,” one of the residents said.
Salih Al-Khozaee, 75, complained about poorly-maintained and dirty mosques. “Currently, we perform prayers outside mosques in prayer areas set up by philanthropists. There are no bathrooms in these areas, let alone electricity and air-conditioning,” Al-Khozaee said.
Naif Al-Khozaee, district chief, said industrial repair shops in the neighborhood are run by illegal workers who lack the necessary licenses and permits. “We've reported the shops to the Traffic Department and they did have vehicles without license plates towed away. But several new vehicles appeared a few days later,” Al-Khozaee said while calling on the concerned authorities to take stricter actions to end violations in the neighborhood.
