Al-Tuwaya well in Jubail suffers from negligence

JUBAIL: Al-Tuwaya well is one of the important monuments in Jubail and evidence of the early emergence of the region in the era of King Abdul Aziz Al-Saud.
The well, and the tower which was built to protect it, was the main source of water for residents of Jubail before the drilling of artesian wells, which gives the site historic importance requiring protection and development.
However, this archaeological site is suffering from negligence from as it has almost disappeared among the trees. Meanwhile, truck owners use the place for parking.
Jubail Municipality long ago developed the site, but inefficiently, which calls for intervention to develop it further and improve the surrounding environment because it is a symbol of the beginnings of the unification of the Kingdom by the late King Abdul Aziz.
Saad Al-Buainain, one of Jubail’s citizens, said: “The tower site must be developed, providing open green spaces and gardens. It should also be surrounded by a modern low fence that does not impede vision,” explaining that the area around the tower hides it from passers-by and visitors.
Another citizen, Eissa Al-Khater, suggested providing the site with modern lamps to illuminate it at night, and give it an aesthetic view, reiterating that the tower site is in dire need of sidewalks and corridors, along with modern seats in green spaces.
“The tower site must receive the appropriate care and attention from the officials in order to preserve the value of the archaeological site, in a way that serves residents and visitors of the region.”
Hamad Al-Sahli said that the gardens surrounding the tower site must be provided with all required needs for visitors and tourists to make the region’s southern entrance seems like a beautiful painting.
Abdulatif Al-Bunaian, executive director of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTNH) in the Eastern Province (EP), said that there is a plan to develop the tower site and the surrounding area in cooperation between the SCTNH and the Royal Commission for Jubail. He confirmed that the EP mayor recently paid a visit to this site and will issue his directions to municipal officials.