Saudi Asma Environmental Solutions LLC (SAES) is a joint Saudi/Malaysian company, aiming to make a contribution to a better environment for all residents. The firm specializes in environmental planning, training engineering, consultancy, equipment supply, monitoring, solutions, waste management, pest control, city cleaning, laboratory testing, project management and maintenance for the public and private sectors. It is a joint venture between Asma Environmental Solutions Saudi Arabia and Al-Tamayiz Malaysia. In an interview, Fadil Fouad Basyyoni, the president and Chief Executive Officer of SAES, said that the company has been realizing its vision over the past four years to provide environmental solutions. “Our mission is to make the issue of environment easy for people to understand. We want every human being, regardless of his standard of living, to take care of the environment.” He said that any damage to the environment now will affect future generations. Air quality SAES is involved in a number of projects including an air quality monitoring study commissioned by the Jeddah municipality. This is because the city is seeing more motor vehicles and industrial activities. “The main objective of the study is to determine the general baseline air quality level or status and the air pollution level in and around the city with the implementation of 28 ad-hoc monitoring stations. Saudi Asma has undertaken the study and recommended the appropriate long term air quality monitoring program,” he said. Basyyoni said everyone is responsible. Drivers should use their cars less and people should use the proper lamps to save energy. SAES also monitors whether Jeddah's coastal and lagoon water is suitable for recreational use. The company also undertakes monitoring of groundwater, drinking water, industrial wastewater, and the discharge from sewage treatment plants in the east of Jeddah. The company also conducts various studies on integrated pest control and management, setting up of an environmental and analytical laboratory for the Jeddah municipality and an air dispersion modeling study for the Phase One Power Plant Project at King Abdullah Economic City. Projects are also being undertaken for Saudi Aramco and the Royal Commission of Jubail. Waste into energy SAES has also consulted on the environmental impact of the Al-Meaisem landfill on the groundwater of Wadi Ibrahim in Makkah. Basyyoni said they have proposed a solution to the Jeddah municipality to convert landfill waste into energy – the first such project worldwide. They have been working on the concept for four years. It will cost about SR1.5 billion.SAES is not directly involved in providing solutions for floods but have submitted some proposals to the mayoralty. “Our target is now the small lagoons which were created after the rain. We make sure there are no mosquitoes breeding there to prevent dengue fever. We are also inspecting the Tawfiq Dam and monitoring the water every week. The quality of the water is not okay, it's not suitable for drinking or swimming, but it can increase the underwater table of Jeddah. We are deeply involved In this issue with the municipality. I think the municipality now has some plan to reduce the level of the water and I think they have already started doing it,” he said. Proper infrastructure Basyyoni said that it was crucial for Jeddah to have proper infrastructure – including sewage and a road network – to cope with population growth. He said Saudi Arabia needs specialized environmental companies, adding that the Malaysian side of the company has 25 years' experience in its home country. Basyyoni said that when he became involved in environmental issues, it was not well-known in Saudi Arabia. He believes it is a noble pursuit. According to him, the company has provided jobs for 30 women – non-Saudis and Saudis – in accordance with Islamic Shariah. The company has also been providing training for the youth by giving them practical experience by going out to work sites with engineers. He also had praise for King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, for his initiatives dealing with the environment. “Prince Turki Bin Nasir is also keen on the environment. So the government is doing its best,” he said.
