Removal of encroachments in Jeddah: 74,000 m2 of government land recovered
In a decisive move reflecting the authorities' commitment to protecting public property, the Jeddah Municipality conducted a large-scale campaign that resulted in the removal of encroachments in Jeddah, specifically within the jurisdiction of the Buraiman sub-municipality in the Al-Ajwad neighborhood. This campaign aimed to reclaim vast tracts of government land that had been illegally occupied, with the total area recovered exceeding 74,000 square meters. This action complements the municipality's ongoing efforts to monitor violations and rigorously enforce regulations for all.
Professor Fahd bin Sharaf Al-Maliki, head of the Buraiman sub-municipality, explained that the inspection teams were able to detect these violations during their ongoing field visits. It was found that structures, buildings, and shops had been erected haphazardly on government land belonging to a ministry, without any legal documentation or building permits. Consequently, the municipality's machinery and equipment immediately began demolishing and removing all the violations to ensure the site is not used again.
The general context of efforts to remove encroachments in Jeddah and protect land
Historically, many major cities have suffered from the encroachment on undeveloped land and public property, prompting the Saudi Arabian government to enact strict legislation and establish specialized committees to combat this phenomenon. The campaigns to remove encroachments in Jeddah are part of a comprehensive national strategy aimed at eliminating informal settlements and reclaiming stolen land, which represents a national asset for future generations. Recent years have witnessed a significant intensification of these campaigns, supported by precise aerial and field monitoring technologies, which has contributed to a substantial reduction in the scale of violations and the redirection of this land to serve development projects.
The developmental and economic impact of restoring public property
The process of reclaiming government land is of paramount importance on multiple levels. Locally, these measures contribute to improving Jeddah's urban landscape and freeing up space for infrastructure projects and public facilities that serve citizens, such as parks, schools, and hospitals. Regionally and internationally, the strict application of regulations enhances investor confidence in the Saudi real estate market, reinforcing the rule of law and protecting property rights. Furthermore, coordination with the State Properties Authority to complete the necessary procedures ensures the documentation and future protection of these lands, supporting the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 in achieving sustainable development and improving the quality of life.
The role of society in reducing abuses
The responsibility for protecting government lands is not limited to official bodies; it extends to citizens and residents as partners in development. In this regard, the Jeddah Municipality continues its field inspection tours to address any violations according to established regulations. The Municipality calls on everyone to adhere to the regulations and refrain from encroaching on public property. It also urges residents to report any observed encroachments or violations through the "Baladi" application, dedicated to municipal services, or by contacting the unified reporting center at 940, to ensure an organized and sustainable urban environment for all.
