Media role in transforming society appreciatedSaudi Gazette JEDDAH — Infrastructure in the holy city of Makkah will be developed soon to serve an estimated ten million pilgrims, Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, Emir of Makkah region, has said. Speaking at an event titled “Shared responsibility dialogue” at Okaz headquarters here Tuesday, Prince Khaled said that the ongoing expansion of the Grand Mosque and its ritual sites would help pilgrims carry out their rites in ease and comfort. Prince Khaled applauded the major role played by the print media in transforming society from simple to civilized. “Right from the establishment of Saudi Arabia, the media, especially the print media, has played a major role in ensuring the continued stability and unity of our nation,” he said. “We have moved from being illiterates to a nation of academics. We have given emphasis to research and studies and have achieved distinction in advanced studies and won world recognition. This progress could not have been achieved without the solidarity of the leadership and citizens,” the Emir said in his opening remarks. In Makkah, the Emir said, public transport will include light transport, buses and trains and metros in addition to easy to walk pathways leading to the Holy Mosque. Apart from this, the Haramain Train project will connect the two holy cities and pass through Jeddah and King Abdullah Economic City in Rabegh, he said. Talking about development projects in Jeddah, the Emir said several projects in the city have either been completed or are near completion. The most important projects to save the city from floods have been completed ahead of schedule, he said. “We have achieved plenty in Jeddah; many projects have been completed on time, others are on schedule… a sewage water system covers most parts of the city; the immediate projects of rain and flood water have been completed ahead of schedule; the removal of urban and industrial waste has achieved more than 85 percent of its target; the pollution cloud engulfing Jeddah is gone and the sewage water reservoir east of Jeddah (Misk Lake) is gone for good, he said. East Jeddah will have one of the Kingdom's largest national parks, and a new ring road will connect the airport to Makkah without going through Jeddah, he said. Four other major road projects will be merged into one and will be announced soon, he added. Talking about the issue of unplanned districts, the Emir said ramshackle and old areas of the city will soon be modified and urbanized. Regarding projects in Taif, Prince Khaled said the summer resorts of Al-Hada and Al-Shifa will be modernized and the traditional Souq Okaz will be refurbished. The technology valley project, the improvement of public transport infrastructure and several building projects proposed by four ministerial committees are also on the cards, the Emir noted. __
