DAMMAM: Municipalities in the Eastern Province plan to install high-tech self-cleaning toilets in several busy public locations in the region.
Eastern Province Mayor Fahad Al-Jubeir, accompanied by Alkhobar Mayor Essam Al-Mulla, viewed a model of these toilets at the Alkhobar Corniche recently.
Al-Jubeir said the toilets would not require workers to maintain and clean them. They have automatic drainage of waste, cleaning and disinfection around the clock, with automatic sensors on doors in place of keys, he said.
Al-Jubeir said the smart toilets do not have water taps or light switches because electronic sensors regulate consumption of water and power. They are used in many European countries, he said.
In addition, the toilets have sensors to detect and repair technical problems including air conditioning. They are also equipped for people with special needs. Users would only be allowed to use these toilets for a maximum of 15 minutes.
“The mayoralty is always on the lookout for modern technology that can help protect the environment and provide excellent services for citizens and residents,” he said.
Self-cleaning public toilets planned for eastern region
Self-cleaning public toilets planned for eastern region
Saudi deputy FM attends OIC ministers’ meeting on Somalia situation
JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Elkhereiji has reaffirmed the Kingdom’s full support for Somalia’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, while strongly rejecting any actions that undermine the country’s stability.
Speaking at an extraordinary meeting of foreign ministers from member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Elkhereiji condemned the declaration of mutual recognition between Israeli occupation authorities and the Somaliland region, describing it as a unilateral separatist move that violated international law, the UN Charter and the OIC Charter.
He stressed the Kingdom’s categorical rejection of any attempts to impose parallel entities that contradict Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity, or that seek to divide or diminish its sovereignty. Elkhereiji also reiterated Saudi Arabia’s support for Somalia’s legitimate state institutions and its commitment to preserving the country’s stability and the security of its people.
Elkhereiji called on the OIC and its member states to adopt a firm and unified Islamic position rejecting any recognition of, or engagement with, separatist entities in Somalia. He urged coordinated action in international forums to affirm Somalia’s unity and prevent what he described as dangerous precedents that could threaten the sovereignty of OIC member states.
He further called for holding the Israeli entity fully responsible for any political or security consequences resulting from such actions, and for rejecting any cooperation arising from the declaration of mutual recognition.
During the meeting, he also reiterated the Kingdom’s position on the Palestinian cause, emphasizing its centrality and Saudi Arabia’s support for efforts to secure a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. He said this would enable the Palestinian people to exercise their right to self-determination and establish an independent state along the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
