The Jeddah Municipality announced that it will begin disconnecting and removing utilities (electricity and water) from dilapidated buildings in the Al-Ruwaiss district starting next Tuesday. This decisive step is part of the municipality's comprehensive strategy to address visual pollution and improve the urban landscape of the city.
Details of the demolition plan in Al Ruwais neighborhood
The Secretariat clarified that the General Directorate of Emergencies and Crises had completed all necessary regulatory procedures before commencing actual implementation. These procedures included notifying the owners of 1,011 buildings classified in the first phase as dilapidated and posing an imminent danger. Official demolition orders were issued for these properties by the relevant committee after the expiration of the legally mandated grace period granted to the owners to rectify their situations or vacate the buildings.
Urban development context in Jeddah
This step is not an isolated measure, but rather part of a massive project that Jeddah has been undergoing for years to reorganize its neighborhoods and develop its infrastructure. In line with Vision 2030 , relevant authorities in Saudi Arabia are working to eliminate informal settlements and dilapidated buildings that do not comply with the Saudi building code and fail to meet quality of life standards. The Al-Ruwaiss neighborhood is one of the older districts that has benefited significantly from development and rehabilitation plans to align with the tourism and economic status of the "Bride of the Red Sea."
The importance of the procedure and its impact on public safety
The removal of dilapidated buildings is of paramount importance, extending beyond aesthetics; it is a pressing safety and environmental necessity. The significance of these actions lies in the following points:
- Protecting lives: Preventing sudden collapses that could kill residents or passersby, especially in old buildings whose concrete structure has deteriorated.
- Social security: Eliminating the hideouts that abandoned buildings may form, thus enhancing the security situation in the neighborhood.
- Public health: Removing breeding grounds for waste, insects, and rodents that often proliferate in neglected buildings.
Continued efforts and coordination among parties
The Jeddah Municipality confirmed that the disconnection of utilities will be carried out in close coordination with relevant authorities, paving the way for the entry of equipment and the commencement of demolition and removal work according to the approved timeline. The municipality emphasized its commitment to continuing to monitor and address all buildings that pose a risk in various neighborhoods of the governorate, striving to achieve a safe, sustainable urban environment free from visual pollution.
