The municipality in Jeddah's Al-Aziziya district is facing a court battle after threatening the residents of 19 homes with eviction on the basis that Shariah title deeds for the area were given to a single individual 30 years ago. Basim Al-Jedani of the municipality's Encroachment Committee said that four of the residents had so far submitted ownership deeds to the courts to challenge the move. “The others say they own their houses, but have not presented any documents so far to prove it,” Al-Jedani said, adding that residents who fail to present documents would receive final notices. “The committee will heed whatever the court rules,” he said, and did not rule out forcible eviction if necessary. An official at the Mayor's Office in Jeddah said the eviction move had come after the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs requested that demands from the landowner, who obtained possession of the two district blocks where the 19 properties are located 30 years ago, be fulfilled. The residents of the homes, however, say their properties were built in accordance with regulations and while in possession of permits. “The eviction notices have come as a great shock. We've been living here for 40 years,” said local resident Muhammad Al-Shareef. “We have property deeds and legitimately acquired loans and building permits.” Al-Shareef and other neighbors said that the district is part of a planned zone provided with all relevant government services.
