By Abdulaziz Al-Rabie

Okaz/Saudi Gazette

MAKKAH — Municipality closed down shut down a number of stores in Al-Ghazza district after their owner procrastinated in paying his financial dues.

Makkah Municipality Public Relations and Media Director Othman Mali said the municipality dealt with the investor of the property regardless of businessmen who rented of the shops.

"The investor was not complying with legal and safety requirements set by the municipality. We had already given him an extra three months to rectify the status after sympathizing with business owners," said Mali.

One of the business owners said all of the shops involved were required to pay the investor SR500,000 in rents a year and they were required to give half of the amount upfront.

"We were surprised to receive a notice from the municipality only five months into the year telling us to evacuate the building as it will be shut down. The municipality stated that the building has no license for operation and that municipality fees have not been paid yet," said the business owner.

He added that the business owners were losing large amounts of money every day. He urged the municipality to take just action with regard to their situation.