Jeddah, August 18: Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal on Monday announced the government’s plan to make Makkah one of the beautiful cities in the world.
“The development of Makkah should be an exceptional one considering its unique position,” the governor told a UN team involved in preparing a comprehensive development plan for Makkah, Madinah and the holy sites of Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifa.
Prince Khaled briefed the UN officials on the development plan for Makkah including quality of buildings, transport means, road systems and application of modern technology in the service of pilgrims coming for Haj and Umrah.
“The development plan for Makkah should be different from that of any other city and should protect its cultural identity,” the governor said.
The UN team will review the development plan for Makkah, Madinah and the holy sites, which is being prepared by a Canadian consultancy firm with the support of Saudi experts.
In a previous statement, Prince Khaled said the Makkah development strategy was centering on the Holy Kaaba, adding that it would focus on the development of human beings.
The strategy has given priority to the development of people through education and training, improvement of Haj and Umrah services, solving the water problem by increasing supply and the expansion of infrastructure facilities.
He said a number of new projects have been planned for the overall development of the Makkah province. They include development of the underdeveloped residential districts, Jeddah’s northern and southern Corniche, and new tourism projects in Taif, Qunfuda and Al-Laith.
Prince Khaled described the plan to develop the underdeveloped residential districts in Makkah and Jeddah as one of the Kingdom’s largest projects. The plan aims to improve the situation of people living in underdeveloped districts.
Prince Khaled, who is chairman of the executive committee for the development of underdeveloped districts, said there are 60 such districts in Makkah and 52 in Jeddah. “It’s not just making housing plans, rather it is a comprehensive humanitarian, social, cultural, health, educational and security project,” he said. The project will change the shape of underdeveloped districts, which will have new shopping centers, hospitals, schools and housing complexes. He added that the development strategy for Makkah province was devised in light of his 30-year expertise as governor of Asir province and his experience with the Riyadh Development Authority.
“We have to promote a culture of development among members of the community. It will certainly have great impact on their behavior and lifestyle,” he said.
Prince Khaled said the private sector would have a greater role in carrying out development projects in the province. “We expect no less than 40 percent participation from the private sector.”
—Agencies