JEDDAH: People who live near Zarqa Al-Yamamah Street, located in northern Jeddah's Al-Murjan District and linking Prince Faisal Bin Fahd Road with the Corniche Road, have expressed displeasure because the thoroughfare has been converted into private property and disappeared. Jeddah residents used the thoroughfare as a major artery linking the district and the Corniche area, but all that's left are the signs. Area residents are bewildered. They ask: “Who is behind the disappearance of Zarqa Al-Yamamah Street, which was part of our daily life for more than 27 years?” Okaz/Saudi Gazette interviewed several residents in the area who are displeased by the disappearance of street and the lack of justification for the action. They said they went to the authorities concerned and demanded the restoration of the street, which they called a public utility, something that is illegal to sell or give away. The Jeddah Mayoralty admitted the damage the district has sustained as a result of the closure and a fence being placed around about half of its area, which isolates many houses. The Municipal Council in Jeddah has asked for an explanation from Jeddah Mayoralty and said it has received an official complaint from area residents, who have demanded the restoration of the street that has disappeared and removal of new construction on it. Realtors have estimated that the closed area covers about 3,000 sq. meters. They said that at a value of SR12,000 per sq. meter, the area is worth SR3.5 million. Observers focusing on the matter's legal aspects said selling Zarqa Al-Yamamah Street said it is one element in the issue of selling of public utilities and converting them to private property.
