Prince Salman Bin Abdul Aziz, Emir of Riyadh Region and head of the High Commission for the Development of Arriyadh, launches Monday the environmental rehabilitation project for Wadi Hanifa (Hanifa Valley) that will help drain away excess rainwater. This project is to ensure the 80-km-long valley returns to its previous function as a natural drainage channel. One of the goals of the project is to develop it into a natural recreational area with all the necessary facilities. The restoration has been preceded by several measures aimed at stopping the valley's environmental deterioration caused by various industrial activities, said head of the commission's Projects and Planning Center Abdullatif Bin Abdulmalek Aal Al-Sheikh. The measures have included limiting industrial and commercial activities. There has also been a massive clean-up operation undertaken. The project is one of Riyadh City's few natural green spaces and will be a protected area falling under the commission's authority. The project aims to utilize the Wadi's potential without harming its natural resources; to control pollution; and exploit its vast potential water source. Commercial and industrial activities adjacent to the area, including brick and concrete factories, workshops, car repair shops, tanneries and slaughterhouses had encroached on the surrounding area, destroying green spaces and affecting the area's wildlife. These factors, including the large quantities of garbage and construction waste accumulated in the area, had affected the course of the water in the valley and created stagnant pools. This situation “would result in great hazards if there is heavy rain and floods,” Aal Al-Sheikh said. The green spaces have shrunk, local trees have been reduced and unwanted weeds have grown. Many species of mammals, reptiles and birds have disappeared. Aal Al-Sheikh said the valley has also been harmed by public services such as electricity and telephone lines and roads that cut across it. The rehabilitation project will include pedestrians walkways and many plants and trees capable of surviving in the area.
