From: The Residents of The Cove Yanbu

12th May 2025

Subject: Request for Urgent Intervention and Management Review – The Cove Yanbu

We, the residents of The Cove Compound in Yanbu, are writing to express our deep concern and growing frustration with the way the compound is being managed and the way we are being treated. While we chose to live here for the promises of a high-standard, well-maintained, and safe community, the reality has become increasingly unacceptable. Despite raising numerous issues repeatedly with the on-site management, we are met with vague promises, denial, or no follow-up at all. Many of us believe these concerns are not being properly escalated to your level.

This is not just a list of complaints—it is a call for immediate intervention and action. We are respectfully asking for your direct involvement and an urgent change of management: the current manager is not a good fit for the role. Below is a breakdown of the most critical issues we are facing, many of which have been ongoing for months without resolution.

1. MANAGEMENT BEHAVIOUR AND COMMUNICATION
The compound manager often denies awareness of serious issues, shifts blame to his staff, and contradicts himself when speaking with residents. He avoids accountability and reacts defensively to complaints. During our last community meeting, he raised his voice at residents and has since refused to organize any further gatherings. He has reportedly discouraged residents from copying the owner in emails and even suggested paying rent in cash, bypassing formal banking channels. These actions have created a sense of mistrust and unprofessionalism.
We want to acknowledge that many of the Cove workers are friendly and pleasant in their interactions with residents. However, it's clear that they need more support and guidance from management in order to serve the community effectively.

2. FINANCIAL TRANSPARENCY AND STAFF MISUSE
Residents voluntarily donated money for compound workers through a collection box, but some staff later claimed they never received the funds. This has raised concerns about financial transparency and possible misconduct. Additionally, staff are often seen performing personal errands for the manager, which is inappropriate.
The one employee who used to communicate effectively with residents, Miss. April, has recently resigned. She served as a crucial intermediary between management and residents, and her absence is already being felt. She must be urgently replaced by someone equally capable.

3. LAGOON SAFETY AND WATER TESTING TRANSPARENCY
When many of us signed our contracts, we were told the lagoon was safe for swimming. However, we later discovered that there had been E.Coli contamination in 2023. Management referred to water tests conducted in Jeddah and later by Obeikan, but these results were not openly shared or independently verified. Residents remain concerned that the lagoon may not be safe and suspect potential sample manipulation. Despite these unresolved concerns, new tenants are still being told the lagoon is clean and swimmable.
This week, a meeting was called with a marine biologist to apparently explain the importance of some aquatic grass in the lagoon. This was neither useful nor relevant to our concerns. What we need is a straightforward, credible water test to confirm whether harmful bacteria like E.Coli are still present, and a clear, transparent plan of action to resolve any issues—be it increased water flow, filtration, or cleaning.

4. BOAT SERVICES UNAVAILABLE
The boats, which were advertised as an amenity when many of us moved in, have not been functional since at least February. There has been no official explanation or timeline shared for repairs or replacement. This is disappointing, as we were promised access to these boats as part of the compound’s offerings, yet no action or communication has followed.

5. GENERAL MAINTENANCE AND CLEANLINESS
Basic hygiene and upkeep around the compound have become unreliable. The gym remained without air conditioning for over ten days, and it was only fixed after intense pressure from residents. The gym is often dirty, the mats are worn out, and the space lacks proper cleaning and sanitization. Similarly, the Jacuzzi and sauna are poorly maintained, and areas like porches and building entrances are rarely cleaned unless specifically requested. This level of neglect does not reflect the standards expected from a high-end residential community.

6. ANIMAL SAFETY AND USE OF POISON
Several cats in the compound have died in recent months, apparently due to rat poison. However, management has not issued any warnings or clarified where the poison was placed or what kind was used. This poses a serious danger not only to pets but also to small children. The lack of communication and preventive measures is unacceptable.

7. SECURITY CONCERNS AND EMERGENCY READINESS
Security staff have been repeatedly described by residents as ineffective and unresponsive. When issues arise, the response is often delayed or dismissive. Additionally, there appears to be no clear emergency protocol. During a recent power outage, for example, there was no guidance from management on safety, food preservation, or expected duration. This lack of planning and communication leaves residents vulnerable.

8. DELAYS IN RESPONDING TO RESIDENT REQUESTS
Numerous resident requests have gone unanswered for long periods. For example, a simple request to add furniture at the tennis court was first made in October 2023 but was ignored until recently. Announcements for things like pool cleaning are made without providing details about schedules or how it will affect residents’ use of amenities. This lack of responsiveness creates frustration and shows poor management.

9. NEGLET OF COMMUNITY LIFE AND SUGGESTIONS
Residents have suggested various initiatives to improve the community atmosphere, such as reopening the Montessori school, installing blinds at the restaurant, organizing events, and repairing common areas. These ideas have been acknowledged by management in conversations, but no real steps have been taken to act on them, leaving the community without meaningful engagement or improvement.

10. PARCEL HANDLING AND LOST DELIVERIES
Deliveries are often mishandled or left in unsecured locations. Some parcels have gone missing, and there is no proper logging or tracking system in place. Although a new mail-handling solution has been mentioned, residents are still waiting for any real implementation. This affects both our sense of security and convenience.

We remain open to a constructive discussion and hope to see meaningful changes very soon.

With respect,

The Residents of The Cove Yanbu