JEDDAH, 1 May 2007 — A municipal official said yesterday that the lakes in the historic old quarter of Jeddah are slowly but surely coming back to life, thanks to the 40 air pumps installed by the city to oxygenate the brackish lagoons.
“Life is starting to appear gradually in the two lakes,” said municipal spokesman Ahmad Al-Ghamdi. “We can now see some fish and birds.”
Arbaeen and Amanah lakes have for years been considered devoid of fish and bird life. Urban growth in the last century coupled with a lack of regard for environmental protection turned the lakes into sewage outlets. Under the city’s program, air pumps were installed to reoxygenate the water.
Oxygenated water is vital for fish life and fights algae blooms and the bacteria that thrive on the stagnant nitrate-rich water that is contaminated by organic waste. As fish return to the lakes, so too do the birds that feed on them.
Al-Ghamdi said that the city is now encouraging private investments near the lakes in order to create more entertainment locations for the citizens of Jeddah. The municipality is also planning to install 100 water fountains in the lakes of the city, including Lake Misk in east Jeddah, in order to help oxygenate the waters.
He added that a special committee composed of environmental officials and the Coast Guard monitors the lakes and coastlines of Jeddah.
The municipality has approved a number of beautification projects in the historic area of the city and allocated a huge budget for the purpose this year. The move is part of a plan to do the municipality’s part in preserving the city’s historical roots.
