Prince Misha'l Bin Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz, Emir of Najran region, expressed his worry over encroachments on flood courses in the region, especially in Najran Valley (Wadi Najran), where encroachments on both the sides has caused a narrowing of its course. Ongoing efforts to remove the encroachments will bring the Najran Valley back to its natural condition and preserve lives and property, he said in a wide-ranging interview with Okaz/Saudi Gazette. Prince Misha'l also expressed frustration about delays in completing some vital projects; in some cases, the delays resulted from awarding contracts to unqualified companies that failed to keep their commitments, he said. “Some projects are taking as much as three times the contracted execution period,” he said. “It's important for future projects to not be awarded until the company's capacity to complete the project on time and according to specifications is verified.” The Emir, who demanded that monitoring authorities exert more efforts to detect violations of regulations, revealed that investigations have begun into some people who were found to have been tardy in executing their responsibilities. Prince Misha'l praised Border Guard personnel, who he said have been fulfilling their duties in monitoring, preventing smuggling and preventing people from illegally entering the country from Yemen. The Border Guards have been working effectively despite the length of the border and the difficult, diverse terrain that includes vast desert spaces and rugged mountainous areas, he said. The improvement is due to the support of Prince Naif Bin Abdul Aziz, Second Deputy Premier and Minister of Interior; his deputy; and the Assistant Minister for Security Affairs, he added. Addressing infrastructure improvements in the city of Najran, Prince Misha'l said there is an integrated plan for paving, asphalting and erecting lights in all its districts. The Mayor's Office has signed the contracts for these projects, he said, adding that he is confident that they will boost development. Prince Misha'l also said there is coordination with the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities to create the required infrastructure to develop tourist sites in the area. The Mayor's Office is also working on developing recreational sites and parks and preparing them for receiving visitors; services will be provided at all the sites, he added. Some recreational sites need work to be prepared according to the plans drawn to develop tourism, he said. Addressing health care projects, the Emir cited King Abdullah's orders to build more hospitals and health care centers throughout the Kingdom and recruit outstanding healthcare personnel, saying that there are several medical projects under construction in Najran region. The projects include the Medical City, Najran University Hospital, and several primary health care centers, he said. Several hospitals in a number of governorates will be operating soon, he added. __
