As part of its intensive efforts to promote municipal compliance and protect public health, the Jeddah Governorate Municipality a large-scale proactive field campaign in the east of the governorate, which resulted in the destruction of approximately one ton (1000 kilograms) of food unfit for human consumption, in addition to closing four random sites that were being run away from the eyes of the supervisors and without proper licenses.
Details of the field campaign and enforcement of regulations
The Director General of the General Administration for Monitoring and Addressing Negative Phenomena, Yasser bin Siraj Bakhsh, explained that the inspection teams were able to identify these sites, which were being used for illegal commercial and industrial activities. The raids revealed serious health and regulatory violations, including the following:
- The first location: A residential compound was found being used to store and package leafy greens and dates in an environment lacking even the most basic hygiene standards, with rodents and insects rampant. This resulted in the destruction of one ton of leafy greens, the confiscation of 47 cartons of dates, 5 electronic scales, and 4 packaging machines, and the immediate closure of the site.
- Second site: A makeshift dairy product (cream) factory was found operating in poor environmental conditions. The equipment and bags of powdered milk (40 kg per bag) were confiscated, and the site was closed.
- The third site: an unregulated warehouse for car parts and empty cartons, where Jeddah Company confiscated the cartons and Umm Al Salam Municipality closed the site.
- The fourth site: A huge yard that combines the activity of shipping food and clothing and dismantling cars without licenses, and it was completely closed to complete the legal procedures.
Context of oversight efforts and their importance
This initiative is part of Jeddah Municipality's ongoing strategy to combat negative phenomena and reduce haphazard development that mars the city's urban landscape and threatens public safety. These campaigns are of paramount importance due to their direct impact on:
First, food safety: Eliminating food preparation sites of unknown origin is a crucial step in preventing food poisoning and foodborne illnesses, especially in sensitive products such as dairy and leafy greens.
Secondly, urban planning: Closing off-site scrap yards and random warehouses within residential neighborhoods contributes to improving the visual landscape and reducing the security and environmental risks resulting from these unlicensed activities.
The societal role in oversight
The municipality emphasized that community oversight is a cornerstone of the success of these campaigns, urging all citizens and residents to promptly report any municipal or health violations they observe. Reports can be easily submitted through the "Baladi" app available on smartphones, or by contacting the unified reporting center at 940. The municipality stressed that the combined efforts of official bodies and the community are essential to ensuring a healthy and safe environment in Jeddah.
