Prince Mansour was addressing the Shoura council on Sunday at its 34th regular session chaired by Abdullah Al-Asheikh.
“Improving the public transport system in the cities is a pressing need because of the adverse environmental impact due to pollution arising from traffic congestion,” the minister said, adding that the Kingdom is keen on maintaining cities free of pollution and environmental hazards.
He pointed out that instead of forming new cities, it is good to develop towns that are located in the vicinity of major cities.
Opening the Sunday's session, Al-Asheikh registered the greetings and good wishes on behalf of the council to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah who has completed six years of glorious services since his ascent to the throne.
Welcoming Prince Miteb, the chairman appreciated the yeomen services rendered by the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs under the able leadership of Prince Mansour.
Speaking on the various projects undertaken by the ministry, Mansour said that he was aware of the delay in the implementation of some projects. He assured that he would take remedial action to accelerate the implementation of these projects geared to provide useful services to the people in suburbs and hamlets.
He said projects and necessary funds would be allocated according to the needs of the people considering the size of the population in different places.
“The Ministry of Finance would allocate funds for such projects,” he said.
Plans are underway, the prince said, for the ministry to organize programs to involve citizens in some of its programs. The ministry is currently seeking the expertise from private sector bodies such as Saudi contractors association, real estate groups, education and training organizations to find out how best citizens could be embraced for various projects of the ministry.
Speaking on the experience on the cause and effects of the recent floods in Jeddah and Jazan, the minister said his ministry would not allow people to construct buildings in valleys. Effective measures are being taken to expand the existing drainage system and also to make use of the rainwater in 28 locations in the Kingdom, he said.
The prince said the ministry is currently working in partnership with the Saudi Commission of Tourism and Antiquities to preserve the cultural and historical identity of Saudi cities. The ministry has planned a program on environmental sanitation for which an agreement has been reached with a consultant firm, he added.
The minister called for constructive suggestions from the Shoura Council on the activities of his ministry.
