JEDDAH, 30 January 2007 — In less than 10 years, Jeddah’s population of two to three million will explode to seven million and city officials should be planning for this growth, according to a Saudi economist speaking to members of the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI).
“(Jeddah) should fashion itself on the Riyadh Development Authority, which coordinates among the various departments and projects particularly for the utilities and infrastructure such as water, electricity, sewage and airport services,” said Wahib Bin Zagr.
The Saudi businessman was giving a lecture entitled “Prosperity & Difficulties: a View from the Present to the Future”, organnized by the House of Business, on Saturday evening.
While lamenting the low standard of utility services in the Jeddah city, where rolling blackouts and periods with no water is common in many districts, Bin Zagr lauded the municipality for appointing an international company to oversee projects being implemented in the city and guarantee that they meet the required standards and specifications.
Bin Zagr attributed the poor shape of public works in the city to the bureaucratic delay in the implementation of projects.
Jeddah is currently in the process of replacing the individual septic tanks of buildings with a conventional citywide sewage system. Thirty new overpasses and bridges are being planned while more than 50 slum-like neighborhoods have been identified for immediate revitalization.
The economist called for an immediate review of the city’s rapid urbanization process, stressing that the expansion should be carried out under strict supervision and well-studied plans so that a balanced distribution of utilities could be guaranteed.
Bin Zagr said the country as a whole has lost billions of dollars in business over the years because the process for conducting business is seen as difficult, bureaucratic and rife with roadblocks.
Regarding the recent steep downturn in the Saudi stock market, Bin Zagr called for greater transparency and accountability. The public, which is increasingly investing in securities, need to have a reason to trust the system, he said.
