Owners of acquired properties ‘satisfied' with compensation By Wael Abdullah Saudi Gazette MAKKAH — Work on the SR30.8 billion Haramain Train project is progressing on the right track, Dr. Jubarah Bin Eid Al-Suraisiry, Minister of Transport, said here Sunday. Dr. Al-Suraisiry, who is also Chairman of the Saudi Railway Organization, was speaking to the media after an inspection tour of some of the project's works in the holy city. The minister said the project was progressing according to prepared plans and programs. The main station costing over SR3.2 billion will be completed in two years, he said. Replying to a question, the minister said property owners are satisfied with the money they were paid for land acquired to make way for the prestigious railway project. Any objections should be lodged with the Bureau of Grievances, Al-Suraisiry added. Verdicts issued by the bureau will be enforced immediately, he said. Visiting the Al-Haramain Train station in Al-Rusaifah District, the minister said that despite various challenges, the ministry was able to bring the project back on track. “From what I see here, work on the project is in full swing. Looking back and considering the obstacles we faced at the outset, I am content with the achievements so far. It's true there were some hindrances but we got back on track. This project will be completed in two years, God willing.” He said Makkah is an over-populated city and the area where the station will be built has a large number of buildings that need to be acquired. It has to be done to allow people to find other places to live and with satisfactory compensation, he explained. “Over 600 buildings have been acquired. You can imagine how long this process has taken. As for those who didn't have title deeds, they were compensated in line with pertinent procedures in place.” Regarding delay in other projects, especially the Third Ring Road of Makkah, Al-Suraisiry said this was because of obstacles faced by some government agencies. “We're keen to ensure that the implementation of all projects does not disrupt the life of citizens and services even if this is going to take some time. After all, this is what King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, directed us to do,” he said. __
