Khaberni - Minister of Local Administration Walid Al-Masri said that about 24 million dinars have been allocated to implement projects to update and develop infrastructure in municipalities this year, in line with the effects of climate change, particularly the increased precipitation of large amounts of rain over short periods, all based on set priorities and studied plans.
Al-Masri added in a ministry statement on Wednesday that Prime Minister Jafar Hassan has directed the Ministry of Finance to allocate 10 million dinars from the emergency expenditures item to improve the infrastructure level in the provinces, especially those affected by the weather conditions that the kingdom faced, while municipalities allocated 4 million, and the private sector 10 million.
He explained that climate changes have led to a new reality characterized by downpours of rain exceeding usual rates, which has shown that the current infrastructure in several regions of the kingdom cannot accommodate these large quantities of rain in short times as experienced in some areas during recent weather depressions, necessitating efforts to develop and upgrade it.
He pointed out that the amounts of rain during the last weather depression were high and exceeded expectations, asserting that climate change is the reason for these weather phenomena, and requires a sustainable response through updating drainage networks and municipal infrastructure to more effectively deal with emergent climate conditions.
Regarding the readiness of municipalities, Al-Masri clarified that municipalities, joint services councils, and municipal affairs directorates in various provinces of the kingdom were highly prepared to deal with the last weather depression, contributing to mitigating its impacts and minimizing damages, where the field, technical, and administrative staff worked around the clock.
Al-Masri affirmed that coordination and teamwork among various entities significantly helped in minimizing damage.
He appreciated the efforts of municipalities, joint services councils, and all staff working to ensure the safety of citizens and protect lives and properties.
He indicated that the ministry would activate the early warning system, develop rapid response tools, and improve monitoring and readiness mechanisms, contributing to enhancing municipalities' capability to deal with challenging weather conditions in the future, and defining risk levels and hotspots in each area in preparation for weather depressions.
It is noted that the Central Emergency Room of the Ministry of Local Administration dealt with a large number of remarks during the weather depression, with the majority being addressed, while efforts continue to complete the remainder, in parallel with the work of sub-emergency rooms in various areas of the kingdom.
