JEDDAH: ARAB NEWS

Sunday 21 April 2013

The development and expansion projects in Makkah have not wiped out the holy city’s identity and history, said Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal yesterday.

He said the government is protecting the city’s heritage. “Of all the countries that have ruled Makkah, Saudi Arabia has undertaken the greatest reforms in the city. The expansion projects are conducted in a modern and sophisticated manner.”

He said pilgrims have been making positive comments about changes in the city.

He said certain Twitter users are unfairly criticizing changes in the city. “There are many who hate this country and don’t like to see these achievements taking place during King Abdullah’s era,” he said.

He said the city authorities are facing challenges with real estate expropriation and companies not completing projects on time. “We are dealing with these issues with tolerance but we must be strict with companies and government departments.”

King Abdullah has told officials that they no longer have any excuses for missing project deadlines, he added.

Meanwhile, he said that some government departments have started to study how to correct the situation of minorities other than the Burmese. He said it was important to take care of this issue.