Fahd Al-Manaee Saudi Gazette MAKKAH – Emir of Makkah Prince Khaled Al-Faisal on Saturday inspected a community housing project being carried out at Umm Al-Jood planned district in the holy city. Prince Khaled toured the site of the Makkah Oasis Project for Housing, where construction of 500 housing units is under way, and advised concerned officials to complete the project ahead of deadline. The Emir listened to observations made by a number of female residents, including divorcees and widows. They expressed their thanks and appreciation to Prince Khaled for his close monitoring and inspection of development projects to see the progress of work. Majdi Hariri, deputy chairman of the board of directors of Makkah Oasis Company, said Prince Khaled's visit comes within the context of monitoring the work at the project, getting acquainted with the progress made, discussing development steps, and ensuring that the company is abiding by the deadline for handing over the housing units. He said Prince Khaled is keen on following up all projects aimed at improving the living standards of citizens. “He closely monitors the development projects that are in conformity with the region's strategy of rapid development.” Nabeel Abbas, consultant engineer for the project, said strict criteria have been specified for contracting companies constructing the housing units. They are asked to employ the highest engineering specifications, including all safety and hygiene conditions. This is apart from measures aimed at protecting lives and properties from natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods. He said the engineers have taken into consideration rationalization of energy and water consumption and improving the internal environment. Mamdooh Al-Harbi, executive director of Makkah Oasis Company, said the first phase comprising 500 housing units will be handed over before the end of the summer vacation this year. The second phase comprising 1,800 units will be ready for handover on Jan. 31, 2014, he added. He confirmed that different stages of the project comprised the completion of all utility services, including water networks, sanitary drainage, telephone and electricity services, asphalting of roads, illumination and public parks. The Makkah Oasis Housing Project, covering an area of 670,000 square meters 14 km away from the Grand Mosque, is the first housing development project implemented in partnership between the public and private sectors. When completed in two stages, the project will have 2,300 housing units, apart from commercial buildings and public utilities.
