He said the municipality has drawn up its specifications and conditions and begun short-listing construction companies hoping to win the contract for the project.

“We will formulate a schedule for the implementation of the projects under a master plan in coordination with the Ministry of Finance,” he said.

Abu Ras said the protection of Jeddah has been one of his priorities since he took over from Adel Fakieh, who became Minister of Labor.

“With the completion of the master plan, there will be an integrated network of projects that will radically rid the city of any upcoming danger as a result of rains and floods,” he said.

The mayor said the municipality has other projects to drain rain and underground water in a number of districts in east Jeddah, which was most affected by heavy rains and floods in November 2009.

He revealed that the municipality has withdrawn three projects from contractors due to slow progress and awarded them to other contractors.

“Contractors who fail to complete projects on time will not be allowed to bid for future projects,” he threatened.

Abu Ras denied that the municipality had stopped all services to east Jeddah. “We have permitted some services and stopped others,” he said.

He said finances of SR652 million have been approved for the development of the city, implemented by the Jeddah Development and Urban Regeneration Company, a public company owned by the municipality. “We have already received SR200 million,” he said.