The relocation of the weekly market in Dhamad in Jazan province has divided the residents of the governorate and has ignited a heated debate among them.

Some of them supported the decision, claiming that the new area is spacious and accommodates large numbers of sellers and shoppers, contrary to the old site, which they saw as crowded.

Others criticized the decision on the grounds that the new site is far from the residential areas, which deprives many people, especially elderly men and women, of the shopping opportunity.

They proposed developing the old market, which have been active in the area for 45 years, and to provide it with various services.

Khalid Nasser Tamah Al-Hazmi welcomed the decision to move the weekly market to a new location where the area is large, more organized and planned for proper distribution, unlike the old site, which suffered from chaos and crowding. He said the new market has space to a larger number of sellers and buyers.

Ahmed Mohammed Abulkhair described the new market location as "appropriate". Rejecting claims by opponents of the move, he pointed out that public transportation facilities make it easy to reach the new location.

Hassan Nasser Zouli said the majority of people see the decision as a positive and civilized move. He expressed his conviction that shoppers will change their views once they visit the new market.

Head of the Municipal Council Khaled Rashid Al-Hazmi that the market was not relocated overnight, but the move was based on a study and was approved by all members of the council.

Al-Hazmi said the authorities proceeded with the relocation plan because the present market was popular and attracted a lot of people, creating congestion and traffic jams in the area.

SOURCE : SAUDIGAZETTE