This is with reference to the report “Be ready for new wet, cold spell” (Nov. 28). The current drainage system in the capital city was build decades ago. The report quoted a Canadian engineer as saying, “The main reason behind flooding is the drainage system and the catch basin are not cleaned and properly maintained.”

That is the main reason behind all our civic problems. It is not just the drainage system that needs regular maintenance, the entire civic infrastructure should be maintained properly and negligence in this regard should be dealt with an iron fist.

I have been living in Riyadh for decades and I recall a time when the city never experienced any flooding. The reason was simple: Those responsible for cleaning and maintaining the drainage system used to perform their duties efficiently. As mentioned in the report, considering the number of sandstorms we experience in a year, catch basins should be regularly cleaned and maintained to avoid clogging. How often we clean our air-conditioner filters and how frequently do we pour chemicals down the drains in the kitchen sink to maintain a perfect flow of water? Do we ever see any maintenance work carried out on the drainage system to avoid flooding? Sadly, the answer is in the negative. The relevant authorities are responsible to activate a maintenance schedule to prevent flooding of these drains.