Jeddah may soon have two lakes for recreational purposes if plans for creating the lakes using floodwaters at the Jeddah Historical gates materialize.
A source working at the company implementing a project to contain flood and rainwater said the two lakes would become a reality in two months.
Plans are under way to create these artificial lakes using groundwater resources. A five-meter dirt barrier has already been built around the two lakes to prevent water from leaking onto the main road, the source said, adding that work is also under way to lay concrete flooring on the lake beds to prevent underground leakage.
According to the source, a cement framework will also be built on the lakes’ edges to give them a definitive shape.
Residents have been assured that lakes will be family-friendly and that exits and entrances to the lakes would be monitored.
Meanwhile, citizens have been complaining that the sewage situation in downtown Jeddah has worsened, hampering the movement of visitors at the Jeddah Historical Gate.
Several shops located in downtown Jeddah have, in fact, placed wooden planks across sewage spills to provide access to visitors.
“I cannot move within this area due to sewage spilling onto the roads. No one can find a parking place in this area because the sewage has flooded the entire area,” Ahmad Abu Rishah, a storeowner, told Arab News.
Sami Nawar, Jeddah Municipality’s spokesman, said: “The responsibility for taking care of the sewage problem lies with the company. The role of the municipality is limited to mitigating the damage and cleaning up the area.”
He pointed out that citizens could follow up on their complaints with other government bodies.
Jeddah to have recreational lakes
