“Our company is working around the clock to complete the project as quickly as possible following instructions from Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal,” Al-Turki said, adding that the project would be carried out following high quality standards.
Nesma has won contracts to implement a number of projects related to preventing floods in Jeddah. “My approach to these projects is different from other works, and I wanted to complete all these projects with perfection, irrespective of the cost it incurs,” the chairman said.
He said his company was currently carrying out projects in 12 locations in various parts of Jeddah, adding that they would be completed in 110 days. “Ten days have already passed after taking over these projects.”
He said Nesma had imported new equipment to ensure the quality of work and meet the standards set by Saudi Aramco, which is supervising the flood projects. “We are working in the 12 locations simultaneously, where we have deployed adequate numbers of workers and equipment,” Al-Turki said.
The first consignment of equipment required for the projects reached Jeddah at King Abdulaziz Airport and Jeddah Islamic Port about 10 days ago, he pointed out.
He said the huge water reservoir, which is under construction at King Abdul Aziz Square in the Old Airport area, would collect rainwater and dispose it effectively in as little as 10 days. “Saudi Aramco has conducted a detailed study on this project,” he said.
Al-Turki said the mud and other debris accumulated at project sites during digging work would be removed from the sites the same day. “We have conducted necessary studies to ensure utmost safety as well as smooth traffic flow during work,” he added.
Nesma has won 12 contracts worth SR795 million to implement projects aimed at providing quick solutions to Jeddah floods.
A major ministerial meeting on tackling Jeddah floods was held in the coastal city recently and reviewed short- and long-term projects planned to prevent a recurrence of flash floods that have devastated the city in November 2009 and January 2011.
Prince Khaled chaired the meeting, which was attended by Municipal and Rural Affairs Minister Prince Mansour bin Miteb, Finance Minister Ibrahim Al-Assaf, Transport Minister Jabara Al-Seraisry, and Water and Electricity Minister Abdullah Al-Hussayen.
During the meeting, it was announced that 14 contracts had been awarded to carry out emergency projects. Tenders have been invited to implement the first phase of a “catastrophe and crisis management center” in Makkah province.
Speaking at the meeting, Ahmed Al-Suleim, director of rainwaters and flood drainage, explained the plans to carry out emergency and long-term solutions for flooding in the city.
The projects include a total drainage system and a secondary drainage system as well as development plans for underdeveloped areas and establishment of environment management systems.
During the meeting, the transport department presented a proposal to establish a ring road with a length of 115 km east of Jeddah. The proposal is to complete the new road project in three years.