The Jeddah municipality has removed three sites of illegal constructions within the Briman municipality, covering a total area of approximately 3,000 square meters. This is part of their continuous efforts to address negative phenomena and improve the urban landscape.
The removal included a yard that had previously been dealt with and was rebuilt illegally, in addition to newly constructed commercial shops, and another yard established in violation of regulations, used for unauthorized commercial activities.
Details of the Event
The head of the Briman municipality, Fahd Sharaf Al-Maliki, confirmed that field efforts resulted in the identification of these sites and their handling according to legal procedures from 29 Sha'ban to 11 Shawwal. He noted the ongoing intensification of monitoring efforts to address violations and prevent their recurrence.
The Jeddah municipality also emphasized the continuation of monitoring and handling operations in accordance with regulations and instructions, urging everyone to adhere to legal procedures and refrain from encroaching on land or engaging in unauthorized activities.
Background & Context
A report by the newspaper “Okaz” indicated that the violator deliberately exploited the Eid al-Fitr holiday to carry out the constructions, accelerating the pace of work during the holiday to complete the building quickly. The violator used small, easily assembled iron rooms and old materials such as equipment, ladders, and water tanks to mislead passersby into believing that the construction was old and not newly built.
In this context, real estate expert Abdul Salam Al-Balawi explained that municipal regulations prohibit illegal construction without official licenses or on public land. He pointed out that building on land without a deed is punishable by immediate removal at the violator's expense, in addition to financial fines that may reach 100,000 Riyals or more according to the penalties list.
Impact & Consequences
The penalty for building without a license for residential buildings ranges between 10,000 and 50,000 Riyals, in addition to the removal of the illegal buildings at the owner's expense if rectification is not possible. Work is immediately halted, and services may be suspended, potentially leading to the disconnection of electricity and water from the violating building.
Al-Balawi emphasized the ease of detecting violations through the use of aerial photography and satellite technology (spatial change system), which are key tools relied upon by the relevant authorities to monitor construction violations and determine the date of their occurrence.
Regional Significance
These measures are part of the Jeddah municipality's efforts to improve the urban environment and enhance compliance with laws and regulations, contributing to sustainable development. These efforts reflect the importance of preserving public lands and preventing encroachments that negatively affect the urban landscape.
In conclusion, this incident highlights the need to enhance awareness of the laws and regulations related to construction and urban development, contributing to improving the quality of life in Saudi cities.