Saudi Arabia invests $3.2B in water & sanitation projects

Saudi Arabia invests $3.2B in water and sanitation projects across key regions, boosting sustainability and modern infrastructure.
 

Saudi Arabia is taking a significant step toward water sustainability and energy efficiency. Saudi Arabia's National Water Company (NWC) recently announced water and sanitation projects worth SAR 11.6 billion ($3.2 billion). These projects span key regions like Aseer, Qassim, and Al Baha. They also align with the government’s broader vision of utility infrastructure development.

Major Investments in the Aseer Region

The Aseer region is set to see transformative changes with 87 water and sanitation projects. This initiative comes with an investment exceeding SAR 5 billion. Prince Turki bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Emir of the Aseer Region, laid the foundation stones for 73 environmental, water, and agricultural projects. The total cost of these projects is over SAR 3.5 billion. They aim to enhance environmental and water sustainability in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals.

Among the key initiatives, NWC has already implemented six major projects. These improve the drinking water supply and operational efficiency. To do so, these projects added 302 km of extended water transmission lines and upgraded pumps. Additionally, they installed new pressure and flow control systems. These upgrades improve distribution reservoirs in Abha City and nearby areas with a total cost of SAR 134 million.

Another major project connects the Tarjis Dam treatment plant to Namas Governorate with a 19-km pipeline. It comes in at SAR 79.3 million. This project includes two new reservoirs that hold 11,000 cubic meters of water. It also includes a pumping station that processes 25,000 cubic meters daily and a distribution station.

Extra efforts focus on improving water treatment facilities at the Wadi Tandaha Dam. The upgrades here add a production capacity of 16,800 cubic meters per day. So, these changes are vital for the region’s water sustainability.

Water and Sanitation Projects in Qassim

The Qassim region will benefit from 66 new water and environmental projects worth over SAR 4.2 billion. Emir of Qassim, Prince Dr. Faisal bin Mishaal bin Saud bin Abdulaziz, inaugurated 21 of these projects, valued at SAR2.2 billion. These efforts aim to enhance the quality of life in Qassim. They support food security and provide sustainable water solutions for the region.

The NWC has already completed 10 water distribution projects in Qassim, costing SAR 933.5 million. These include the construction of over 579 km of water transmission lines. They also added operational reservoirs with a combined capacity of 109,000 cubic meters. Additionally, there are now pumping stations with a total daily capacity of 294,000 cubic meters/. These stations play a crucial role in meeting the growing demand for water in the area.

Aiding environmental sustainability, the NWC has also built 10 sewerage projects. These include the construction of 355 kilometres of sewer networks and transmission lines. It also consists of 2 wastewater treatment plants. Together, these plants process 11,200 cubic meters of wastewater every day. Yet all these sewerage projects have important roles in environmental protection too. For example, they are reducing pollution and increasing service coverage at a total cost of about SAR 1.2 billion. So, these projects will help in making Qassim a cleaner and healthier region.

Expanding Infrastructure in Al Baha

In Al Baha, 17 new projects are in the works, with a total investment exceeding SAR 1.7 billion. These include 10 projects in the water sector worth SAR 1.6 billion. It also includes 6 agriculture projects costing over SAR 100 million, and one environmental project valued at SAR 509,000.

Prince Dr. Hussam bin Saud bin Abdulaziz, Emir of Al Baha, laid the foundation stone for these projects. Seven of the water sector projects will develop new water and sewage networks at SAR 294 million. Additionally, the Saudi Water Authority will invest SAR 1.3 billion. This investment will go towards enhancing water security and providing desalinated water to meet growing demand.

Key initiatives include building two drinking water purification plants in Makhwah and Qalwa. Along with this, two reservoirs are coming to Baljarshi and Qalwa, each with a capacity of 75,000 cubic meters.

Advancing Sustainability

These projects aim to achieve water sustainability and energy efficiency across Saudi Arabia. They also align with the Saudi Vision 2030 goals to modernize infrastructure and improve quality of life. As such, the Saudi Arabia National Water Company is addressing critical issues. These issues include water scarcity, environmental damage, and the growing demand for clean water.

With significant investments in water treatment plants, pipelines, and sustainable systems, the country is ensuring long-term solutions for its water and sanitation needs. These projects also focus on energy-efficient designs, reducing wastage, and promoting eco-friendly practices.

Supporting Economic Growth

Beyond sustainability, these projects contribute to economic development. Improved water infrastructure supports agriculture, enhances food security, and attracts investment. It also creates job opportunities in construction, engineering, and environmental management.

As Saudi Arabia continues investing in water and sanitation projects, the country is setting a global example for addressing water sustainability and energy efficiency challenges. These initiatives reflect its commitment to creating a resilient and modern infrastructure. They are doing so in a way that preserves natural resources for future generations.

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