Services have begun to be cut off from the dilapidated Al-Ruwaiss buildings in Jeddah

The Jeddah Municipality announced today the commencement of procedures to disconnect utilities from dilapidated buildings in the Al-Ruwaiss district. This decisive step is part of a comprehensive strategy to address visual pollution and enhance public safety standards in the city's neighborhoods. The municipality's official spokesperson, Mohammed Al-Buqami, confirmed that these actions are a prelude to the commencement of demolition work in accordance with approved regulations and bylaws, following the expiration of all legally mandated grace periods granted to property owners.

Mechanism for monitoring and addressing hazardous buildings

Al-Buqami explained that the issue of dilapidated buildings is a top priority for the municipality due to the direct threat these buildings pose to the lives of residents and passersby. The municipality works through a specialized technical committee comprised of consultants and experts to assess the structural condition of buildings in various Jeddah neighborhoods. Demolition decisions are not made arbitrarily; rather, they are preceded by a thorough technical inspection that determines the property's fate. If the building is deemed repairable, the owner is obligated to carry out the necessary repairs. If it is classified as an imminent danger requiring immediate demolition, the decision is made accordingly.

Statistics and ongoing efforts in Jeddah neighborhoods

In a related context, the official spokesperson revealed the extent of the efforts undertaken in this matter, noting that the Al-Ruways district alone contains 1,011 sites identified as buildings at risk of collapse, and their owners were notified in advance before the current phase of disconnecting services began. Al-Buqami also highlighted the municipality's successes in other districts, where more than 400 hazardous sites have been removed in the Al-Faisaliyah district, in addition to the removal of over 90 sites in the Al-Rabwah district, reflecting the continuity and expansion of the work to include all targeted areas.

Strategic dimensions and urban landscape development

The importance of this campaign extends beyond mere procedural steps, aligning directly with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 Quality of Life Program. Removing dilapidated buildings not only mitigates the risk of collapse but also directly contributes to improving Jeddah's urban landscape and eliminating the visual and environmental pollution that these abandoned structures can cause. Furthermore, clearing neighborhoods of these crumbling structures paves the way for future development projects that enhance the value of residential areas and provide a safe and sustainable urban environment for residents.

A call for cooperation and commitment

The municipality concluded its statement by emphasizing the need for property owners to cooperate with the relevant authorities and promptly rectify the status of their properties in response to official notices. It stressed that the ultimate goal of these measures is to protect lives and property and ensure that Jeddah's neighborhoods are free from any construction hazards that could threaten public safety. The municipality affirmed that its inspection tours will continue to monitor any similar violations and address them firmly in accordance with established procedures.