Riyadh: Preliminary studies showed that an approximate amount of 5.7 billion Saudi riyals (Dh5.58 billion) is needed to implement rainwater drainage projects and realign pathways of valleys in Jeddah.
"There are five major valleys in Jeddah — Ghulail, Muraikh, Al Hashas, Briman and Al Kuraa. These valleys carry rainwater from the mountains in the east of the city to the Red Sea.
"At least eight canals should be built to facilitate smooth flow of rain water from these mountains and prevent dangers of flash floods in future," the study pointed out.
Meanwhile, Sabreen Basabreen, chairman of the committee for preventing encroachment in Jeddah region, blamed "thieves of land" for the Jeddah catastrophe. "Thieves of land" have looted plots of land on the plains of four valleys of Qus, Katana, Muraikh and Ommu Hablain in east Jeddah.
"Our committee has been striving for a long time to prevent such encroachments in the valleys," he said.