King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, has given approval for inviting international companies to set up a comprehensive plan for the development of Makkah, said Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, Emir of Makkah Province, Sunday. The plan which includes the upgrading of health services, education, electricity, water, sewage, roads and transportation, aims to make Makkah an inspiring model for the whole world. The Emir said, during his meeting with about 10,000 residents of Makkah at Umm Al-Qura University, Sunday, that the King also gave approval for a plan to dvelop haphazad districts in Makkah, Jeddah and Taif. The King had ordered the formation of a ministerial committee chaired by Prince Mit'eb Bin Abdul Aziz, Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs, to study the issues of haphazard districts, and of overstayers. The Committee will meet within the next two weeks for discussion, before submitting the project to the King for final endorsement. The plan will also concentrate on enhancing the performance level of employees working in the Haj and Umrah service sectors. The Emir said the project will be implemented as soon as it is endorsed. He called on the private sector to participate in the development process at least by 40 percent. – Okaz __
