Work at the 12 flood projects in the city is in full swing, a senior official has claimed. Saleh Al-Turki, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Nesma Holding Company, the enterprise tasked with the projects, was quoted by Al-Hayat Arabic daily that 8,000 workers are working round-the-clock to complete the projects in the stipulated 110 days. “Work is progressing according to the schedule and the projects will be ready within the given 110 days.” Once completed, Al-Turki said, the projects would prevent the tragic events of last year's floods which destroyed the roads infrastructure and caused thousands of vehicles to submerge in water because of the weak system of drainage canals. “Nesma Company is in charge of the worst flood-affected areas. These areas will be ready for the rainy season, which is around the corner,” Al-Turki was quoted as saying by the newspaper. The projects cover vital locations such as Al-Andalus intersection with Al-Hamra Street and will prevent rainwater accumulation in the underpasses located in the intersection of Sari Street with Al-Madina Street, King Abdullah Road with Al-Madina Road, and other important streets, according to Al-Turki. “Each location is different from the other. Some require building new drainage canals while some need repair and maintenance.” “We are continuously coordinating with the Administration of the Flood Drainage Projects in Jeddah. Difficulties we are encountering are the high levels of ground water in most locations where work is being carried out.” Al-Turki said that the company will continue working on the permanent projects after completing the current ones. “Priority is accorded to implementing the urgent projects on time. With respect to permanent solutions, we will talk about them after the work plan has been approved,” he said.
