Prince Khaled made this comment while launching the emergency projects to prevent flooding in Samir district of Jeddah. “We have gathered here today to start immediately the projects for tackling rainwater and floods in Jeddah,” he said.
The governor said the king had ordered quick implementation of rainwater and floodwater drainage projects since the first Jeddah deluge on Nov. 25, 2009. A SR264.76 million contract has been signed with Al-Mabani company to finish the flood-prevention project in Samir within 197 days.
“We hope that the new projects would help save Jeddah from catastrophes in the coming rainy seasons,” the governor said.
More than 130 people died and thousands of homes and vehicles were destroyed as a result of the two massive floods that hit Jeddah in November 2009 and in January this year.
King Abdullah has ordered tough punitive actions against individuals and companies that caused the flooding. Authorities are questioning 302 individuals and 30 companies and consultancy firms for their roles in the 2009 flood.
Specialized security agencies have gathered evidence to ascertain who was responsible for the damage caused by the 2009 floods on the basis of a report presented by a fact-finding committee.
“In the light of the results of investigations, lawsuits will be filed against these individuals and companies, seeking punitive action against those convicted,” an Interior Ministry spokesman said.
About 120 people died in the 2009 floods that displaced at least 22,000 people, destroyed more than 8,000 houses and around 10,000 vehicles.
A high-level panel has, meanwhile, urged authorities to complete the projects for rainwater drainage and tackling 14 dangerous spots before the next rainy season.
Citizens and residents living in Samir expressed their happiness over the launch of rainwater drainage projects in the district and hoped they would put an end to their miseries.
