JEDDAH — Motorists have complained that newly placed camel barns on the side of the Makkah-Jeddah Expressway are increasing the danger of stray animals crossing the road. They called on local authorities to step in and remove these illegal barns before an accident happens. The roads have been free of accidents involving camels for many years because the animals were relocated to places away from major highways. Muhammad Damanhour, Saudi driver living in Makkah and working in Jeddah, said the scene of scores of camels walking freely on the side of the road and getting dangerously close to the fences is worrying him. “There are many holes in the fences on the side of the road and camels may go through,” he said. Abdullah Al-Madkhali, another driver, said camel owners often relocate their livestock from one place to another if there is grass, of which there is plenty on the side of the road. He said: “Some owners also intentionally relocate themselves near the major highway so they can sell camel milk. “Despite the many warnings to these owners because of the coronavirus outbreak they still carry on.” Abdullah Asiri, another Saudi driver, said punishments needed to be imposed on these camel owners. He said: “I remember years ago when the municipality in cooperation with several authorities removed all these illegal barns from the side of the road. “Owners were warned not to return to the locations near the road, but they slowly started to ignore the warnings. “They do not care about the safety of drivers.” Usama Al-Zaitooni, spokesman of Makkah Municipality, said: "We coordinated with several authorities and warned the camel owners to evict their premises within 36 hours or else their livestock would be seized and their tools confiscated. “Many of them took our warnings seriously and left while some of them chose to ignore us. “We raided their premises, closed down their barns and seized all their camels. “We are currently inspecting other locations to ensure no violation is committed.”
