Prince Khaled chaired a meeting of the committee late Wednesday to discuss plans to protect the historic area of Jeddah against the hazards of rains and floods. The meeting was attended by Prince Sultan bin Salman, chairman of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA), Jeddah Gov. Prince Mishaal bin Majed, who is deputy chairman of the committee, Jeddah Mayor Hani Abu Ras and others.

In a statement to the press after the meeting, Prince Sultan bin Salman said an urgent rescue plan to identify and remedy dangers facing the historic area was approved.

He said under the plan, structures on the verge of collapse would be repaired and residents will be evacuated and shops closed until the repair works were completed.

Prince Sultan said power and water would be cut from residents who refuse to vacate structures under threat. He said incentives will be given to owners to take care of their buildings in the historic area.

Prince Khaled said the government was keen to support the project for protecting buildings and properties in downtown Jeddah against rain and flood waters due to its importance.

He said the project will be jointly financed by the public and private sectors. “The committee took a number of decisions, including the appointment of a coordinator to expedite the project,” he said.

According to Prince Sultan, obstacles impeding the development of the historic area included slackness by contractors to do their work speedily.