Saudi Gazette report RIYADH – The Riyadh Provincial Council approved on Tuesday a plan to take advantage of modern technology in setting up electric and solar powered lamps in the region. The third session of the council, chaired by Riyadh Emir Prince Khaled Bin Bandar, approved 25 new projects worth over SR6 billion for the current fiscal year, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The projects included drainage canals and networks and opening of Wadi Al-Sulai floodwater passage costing a total of SR1 billion, asphalting, lighting, and pavement work in areas under the mayoralty and branch municipalities (SR1.4 billion), preventing flash flood and constructing drainage of flood water (SR1 billion), implementing projects of bridges, tunnels and intersections, and traffic technology management (SR1 billion), renovation and development of some roads and streets in Riyadh city (SR400 million), carrying out studies and supervision of mayoralty and municipalities (SR250 million), and face-lifting and beautification of entrances of the mayoralty and municipalities (SR200 million). The projects also include construction of administrative centers in Majma (SR170 million), expropriation of properties for Prince Turki Road I (SR170 million), disposal and transportation of garbage thrown in public places (SR100 million), renovation of Al-Rabwa fruit and vegetable market (SR40 million), developing pedestrian paths and pavements in Riyadh city (SR30 million), developing camel market phase 2 (SR30 million), implementing more exits to ease traffic congestion in residential districts (SR50 million), new high-tech garbage dumping area (SR30 million), and a new sheep market in east Riyadh (SR20 million). The meeting also decided to increase the allocation for the ongoing six projects by SR277 million. The council approved 257 new projects worth a total of more than SR1.52 billion for the branch municipalities. It also earmarked additional funding of SR305 million for finishing some projects. A total of more than SR3.52 billion was allocated for the implementation of new road projects and finishing the ongoing projects in the region. These included first phase of Riyadh ring road 2, and doubling of the areas located in Riyadh region on Riyadh-Bisha Road and Riyadh-Al-Ahsa Road. The meeting decided to earmark SR2.36 billion for completion of the remaining portion of the 14th power generation plant, project for transmission of electricity to new customers (SR1.68 billion), civil and mechanical work of power plants (SR1.49 billion), increasing the capacity of power networks (SR1.49 billion), and strengthening and developing power transmission lines (SR1.34 billion). The meeting also approved SR1.1b for some water projects.
