A number of real estate investors and economic observers have said that discarded construction waste on empty plots of land in residential areas here is an obstacle to real estate investment. Abdullah Al-Ahmari, a real estate assessor and the vice president of the real estate committee, thinks that disposing of waste in such areas is an environmental disaster that affects humans and animals alike. He also thinks that there is an economic effect which reduces the value of land. “The municipality should stop this from happening by imposing fines on companies that discard construction waste in vacant lots, said Abdullah. “There must be places for the disposal of such wastes outside the city limits,” Abdullah added. Sa'ad Al-Nafjan, the former president of the real estate committee, believes that the municipality has failed to deal with the issue which has made the situation worse. “No one wants to see garbage or other waste thrown on his property. The municipality is responsible for the environmental and financial loss,” said Sa'ad, adding that “the municipality should be strict in enforcing environmental issues the same way it is with issuing licenses for shops.” Dr. Salem Ba Ajajah, a real estate investor, explained that it is normal that prices go down because of waste being thrown on land especially in residential areas. Waste products may accumulate in a disgusting way making buyers change their minds,” he said.
