MAKKAH – Abawa, which comes under Rabigh governorate, north of the Makkah region, is well-known in Islamic history as Amina, the mother of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), died here while returning from Madinah. "It's one of the oldest inhabited areas in the Makkah region," said an expert, who requested anonymity, adding that over 1,450 years have passed after the Prophet (pbuh) passed by this town with his mother. It now accommodates more than 8,500 families. Speaking to Okaz/Saudi Gazette, residents of Abawa complained that the township lacked a number of municipal and development projects as well as public services and called upon authorities to carry out these projects immediately to enhance welfare of its people. Tandhabiya, Musfira and Al-Sair districts in the township require rainwater drainage systems while Ibn Qayyim School in Al-Farie district and second primary school in Murtaj district need flood prevention systems to protect residents, especially students of two schools. Abdul Aziz Al-Sayyed urged the Rabigh municipality to shift the garbage dump in Abawa to another place to protect residents from bad smell and diseases such asthma. "Authorities had instructed the municipality to shift the dump to a safer place several years ago but it still remains there," he told Okaz/Saudi Gazette. He also urged authorities to complete asphalting of roads that link various districts. "Digging works on roads have been obstructing smooth traffic," he added. Street lights are another important requirement as Abawa falls into utter darkness soon after sunset due to absence of such lights. The township also needs a police station and a Red Crescent office being a township on Jeddah-Yanbu Expressway, especially to take care of road accident victims. Other demands of Abawa residents include construction of a pathway that would enable residents to cross flooded valleys, an electricity service office, improvement of health center service, and establishment of a full-fledged public hospital. The Abawa road, which was established by residents about 10 years ago, needs to be renovated as its poor condition has caused several accidents in recent years. Mohammed Al-Harbi stressed the need to establish an agricultural office to support farmers and provide them with necessary services. Abawa is considered the region's food basket. He urged Rabigh municipality to improve its services in Abawa. "We need playgrounds for children and parks for families to spend their weekends and holidays," Al-Harbi added.
