JEDDAH: Emir of Makkah Prince Khaled Al-Faisal has praised the swift investigation and assessment action taken in the wake of the Nov. 2009 Jeddah flood disaster and King Abdullah's approval for SR600 million for projects to prevent any future similar loss of life and destruction. “The ball is now in the mayoralty's court,” Prince Khaled said Monday at the signing of contracts for dam and flood channel projects in east Jeddah. “I'll be requesting from the governor of Jeddah a monthly report on the progress of the projects, and I'll be monitoring the mayoralty, the Jeddah Urban Development Company and contractors to ensure that works are carried in the best manner possible.” The Prince added: “We are moving now towards the First World, so let's make our city a First World city.” Mayor of Jeddah Hani Abu Ras, who also attended the signing with Jeddah Governor Prince Mish'al Bin Majed, echoed the Emir's words. “We are laying out the path towards the First World, and we want to be at the forefront of excellence,” the mayor said. The projects involve three dams in the Qous Valley and two in the Mathwab and Ghulail valleys, several new massive flood channels and repairs to others damaged during the disaster. The projects were drawn up following urgent recommendations from the East Jeddah Development Committee chaired by Prince Naif Bin Abdul Aziz, Second Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, which was formed on the orders of King Abdullah in response to the 2009 flood. The dams are expected to range in height from 11 to 15 meters, and from 117 to 650 meters in length. The executive president of Jeddah Urban Development said two flood channels would be of 4470 and 12500 meters in length. “All these projects will safeguard Jeddah from the threat of floods,” Tariq Talmasani said.
