No new airport for Makkah, Governor says

No new airport for Makkah, Governor says

Makkah adequately served by air and sea said Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, regarding proposed airport that would allow Muslims and non-Muslims to travel to the region.

May 3, 2010 9:45 by Katherine Azmeh

JEDDAH: Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal said Sunday that there are no plans to establish a new airport in Makkah. “King Abdulaziz International Airport and Jeddah Islamic Port serve Makkah by air and sea. So there is no need for a new airport in Makkah,” said Prince Khaled when asked about a Shoura proposal to set up an international airport outside the holy city.

However, Shoura Secretary-General Mohammed Al-Ghamdi said the proposal to set up an airport in Makkah was made following detailed discussions. Al-Ghamdi said that the house suggested that the proposed international airport in the Makkah region be located outside the Haram area to allow both Muslims and non-Muslims to travel to the region.

Many people had welcomed the Shoura’s proposal, saying it would benefit pilgrims coming to the holy city.

Speaking to reporters during an inspection tour of Jamoom, Prince Khaled emphasized the importance of balanced development. “I met with local council members and asked them the reasons for the delay in carrying out some development projects in the area,” the governor said.

He said measures have been taken to implement all development projects in Jamoom without any further delay. “We have a lot of development projects for the Makkah province. All of them will be executed as planned. My primary concern is the construction of infrastructure projects in all of the province’s cities and towns,” he said.

Prince Khaled urged project managers to carry out their work as best they can. “Officials have to closely follow the implementation of development projects in order to ensure they are carried out in a perfect fashion. We have to monitor the companies that are implementing the projects,” he said.

He also said that the governorate should be informed promptly if there are any discrepancies in implementing projects in order to take action before it is too late. “All these projects are for citizens. So, if they see something wrong in their implementation they should quickly inform the relevant authorities.”

Prince Khaled launched new projects worth SR550 million in Jamoom. The governor’s visit to the area was aimed at evaluate its development requirements and to follow up on the implementation of new projects. On arrival he was given a warm welcome by Jamoom Gov. Muhammad Al-Qubba and Makkah Police Director Maj. Gen. Yousuf Matar. He also met with prominent personalities and tribal chiefs in the area.

Jamoom, which is located northwest of Makkah, has won a shield of World Health Organization for becoming one of the healthiest cities in the world. Al-Qubba presented the WHO shield to Prince Khaled. Jamoom’s population is estimated at 45,000.

—Arabnews