JEDDAH, 2 June 2003 — Minister of Water and Electricity Dr. Ghazi Al-Gosaibi yesterday reiterated his ministry’s determination to find a permanent solution to Jeddah’s on-going sewage problem and said more sewage projects were planned.
In a statement after signing four sewage and water contracts for the Eastern Province, Al-Gosaibi said his ministry had handed over land to contractors for a new sewage treatment plant in Jeddah.
He described the new plant as “a real beginning” to solve sewage problems throughout the Kingdom and said more such projects would be implemented in Jeddah and other parts of the Kingdom.
“I will be happy to find a permanent solution to the major sewage problem which Jeddah has been facing for more than 30 years,” the minister said.
The new plant, to be established south of King Abdul Aziz Airport, will treat 250,000 cubic meters of water in the first phase and 500,000 cubic meters in the final phase.
“We will implement a number of projects during the next five years to end Jeddah’s sewage crisis,” he added.
Referring to sewage projects in other parts of the Kingdom, he said: “Priority will be given to the neediest regions.” He pointed out that the projects would, however, take time.
The Jeddah plant is expected to cost SR200 million. Al-Gosaibi praised the role played by Prince Sultan, second deputy premier and minister of defense and aviation, in reducing the cost from SR1 billion to SR200 million.
Prince Sultan donated the land south of the airport.
“The royal gesture helped save SR800 million,” the minister explained.
The plant, which will use the latest sewage treatment technology, will treat sewage water from north Jeddah in the first phase. The treated water can then be safely used for irrigation.
The general plan for the Jeddah network is ready at the ministry, he said, adding that tenders had been invited for 20 sewage projects for areas in the city that face particularly severe problems.
Water and sewage projects in Jeddah require investments of SR20 billion in the next 20 years.
