JEDDAH, 17 January 2008 — Both the Arbaeen and Amanah Lakes on Al-Andalus Street, which have been well-known for years for their sewage and lack of marine life, have recently undergone a one-year cleaning process. They now attract marine life and have become one of the city’s main attractions.
For a number of years, both lakes were devoid of life. Urban growth coupled with a lack of regard for environmental protection turned both lakes into dirty, smelly water.
Ahmad Al-Ghamdi, head of media at the Jeddah Municipality, said that last year more than 40 air pumps were installed in both lakes to oxygenate them. The process, he said, was a success as they are now clean and filled with marine life.
“Jeddah Municipality has installed children’s playgrounds around both lakes and set up food stalls around to prepare them as one of the city’s attractions,” he added.
In the last few months, both residents and expatriates have been seen on the weekends picnicking on the sidewalks surrounding both lakes.
Last Friday, when the weather in Jeddah was unusually cloudy, the area around Arbaeen Lake was filled with visitors, who came to enjoy the scenery and the smell of the clean sea.
Salman Al-Ariani, a young Saudi picnicking near the Amanah Lake with friends, said that since he lives in Al-Ruwais — which is close by — the lake is a perfect place to spend a relaxing afternoon with friends.
“Previously, when the lake was filthy, we used to close our car windows when we passed near it. Who could believe that I’m sitting next to it now, filling my lungs with clean fresh air?” he asked.
Joel Avanco, a Filipino worker seated on the side of the lake with his fishing rod, said that he started coming to fish last month. “I live near the lake and recently noticed sea gulls coming to the area and they are a good indication of marine life. I started coming here on weekends to fish and have found that it is not a bad place,” he said.
