The government of Saudi Arabia plans to spend more than $2.4bn on the construction of key water infrastructure projects.
As per a report by Arab News, the Saline Water Conversion Corporation (SWCC) has signed multiple contracts aimed at increasing water supply to the Makkah region, as well as other areas within the country that currently lack a consistent water supply.
Several projects will move forward as part of the government’s plans, including the construction of a desalination plant (phase four) with reverse osmosis (RO) at Shoaiba near Jeddah, the transfer of technology and purchase of produced water at the Shoaiba power and desalination plant, and the establishment of a Shoaiba Mina water transfer system.
The second phase will involve the manufacture and installation of water transfer pipes from Arafat to Taif and the construction of pumping stations. The construction and installation of a water transfer system connecting Rabigh, Jeddah and Makkah is also part of the government’s plans, along with the extension of pipelines of the Rabigh, Jeddah and Makkah water transport system and the implementation of a Taif, Turubah, Ranyah and Al Khurma pumping station.
The projects were approved after citizens petitioned authorities to ensure adequate water supply during an annual visit by Makkah Governor Prince Khaled Al-Faisal. During the visit, citizens also called for the establishment of campuses and the provision of electricity and other amenities to certain towns and villages.
