MADINA: The Ministry of Islamic Affairs branch in Madina gave 24 families, including widows, orphans and divorcées, less than two weeks to leave buildings where they have lived in for a number of years, some of the residents told Okaz/Saudi Gazette. The families, who lived for decades in the two endowed buildings, said they were suddenly told by the Ministry's Endowment Branch that they must move out by December 24 because the buildings must undergo maintenance. Residents said their pleas had no effect on the decision and officials refused to secure housing for them, despite their being inability to do so. Instead of responding to their pleas, officials threatened to cut off their electricity, said residents who approached Okaz/ Saudi Gazette to express concern about the decision and its impact on residents, most of whom are aging women. Umm Muhammad, one of the residents, said she could not move out because she has no source of income and depends on philanthropists. She pointed out that most of the residents are ailing and asked for help from the Ministry of Islamic Affairs. Another woman who cares for three orphans said the director of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs branch in Madina rejected residents' proposal that groups of two families each share one flat until work is finished in one building and then move to the one that has been fixed up. Dr. Muhammad Al-Ameen Muhammad Al-Khatri, a Ministry of Islamic Affairs official, told Okaz/Saudi Gazette that officials are discussing the matter with the Madina Emirate and that media attention would have an adverse effect on the situation.
