In a report aired here today, the BBC Radio 4 highlighted and hailed the efforts being exerted by Riyadh Development Authority (RDA) in transforming Wadi Hanifa to abundant gardens visited by people from all suburbs of Riyadh and other Saudi places after it was just a place for disposal of sewage and a waste depot. The report, prepared by Matthew Taylor, the BBC correspondent in Riyadh, said that since RDA was assigned to hold the responsibility for Wadi Hanifa project in 2001, it (Wadi Hanifa) turned into a green oasis instead of a barren desert, to the extent that the valley became a destination for recreational activities, hiking and fishing in addition to be a station to attract migratory birds. The BBC report also pointed out that the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has invested millions of Saudi riyals to transform the region into a populated area, surrounded by trees and plants with the water supply needed for that purpose and even turned into an open environmental park equipped with all the services. The report stated that after Wadi Hanifa was a polluted place, now it becomes a picnic place frequented by residents of Riyadh and an outlet to them after it turned into a collection of lakes, waterways, children's amusement park and other tourist recreations.
