Faisal, Emir of Makkah Region, has assured citizens that work on the critical Umm Al-Khair and Al-Samir projects to prevent future floods is on schedule. During his visit to the projects Tuesday, Prince Khaled met with Jeddah Mayor Dr. Hani Abu Rass who promised that the five dams will be completed in 40 days. Prince Khaled will visit the dams again in 40 days. “These projects are the top priority of the Saudi leadership,” Prince Khaled reiterated. Progress is good so far thanks to the authorities, project management and the consultant company in charge of the project. “This is a periodic visit to Umm Al-Khair and Al-Samir projects. Officials of the mayoralty and Aramco told me that work is being done non-stop seven days a week,” said Prince Khaled. He added that he was happy with what he had seen during the visit. “I would like to assure the leadership and citizens that the orders of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques are being implemented seriously.” “I would also like to assure you that progress is being followed up by the Second Deputy Premier and Minister of Interior on a weekly basis. Each month a report is sent to him showing the size of work that has been done. We always receive enquiries and directives from him regarding progress,” said Prince Khaled, adding that the final deadline is next November. He said that the company in charge of implementing the projects sends him reports on a regular basis. He follows up on the work with the company here and in the United States to gather information and studies on new ideas to solve Jeddah's flood problems. So far all programs are on time, he added. “These projects … are urgent and work is being done around-the-clock. It is unprecedented work in the region.” He said a report was sent to Prince Naif Bin Abdul Aziz to indicate that 82 percent of projects have been completed, 13 percent unfinished and five percent stopped. He said these were good percentages. He refuted rumors as “fake and baseless” that some projects in Makkah were halted, canceled or never completed. Prince Khaled listened to detailed explanations about the work from Mayor Abu Rass and Ahmad Al-Sleem, the project manager. They said there were quick solutions for the 12 remaining projects. Caption : Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, Emir of Makkah Region, being briefed by Jeddah Mayor Hani Abu Rass on the critical Umm Al-Khair and Al-Samir projects to prevent future floods, Tuesday. (Okaz photo) __
