The Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture and The Ministry of Works are gearing up for the rainy season in the Southern Governorate with a comprehensive plan to manage rainwater and prevent flooding. The first phase of the plan includes setting up 45 rainwater collection points, with an additional 82 in the next phase to cover 127 at-risk areas. These collection points have been strategically chosen in collaboration with municipal councils and the Capital Municipality.
Seven large projects are currently underway, including new drainage systems for Road 3922 in Hajiyat and near the Montana Car Showroom in West Riffa. These projects are expected to be completed by June 30, 2025. Additionally, a fleet of 100 tankers is on standby for the rainy season, although the exact number designated for the Southern Governorate is yet to be confirmed. During a meeting with the Southern Municipal Council, concerns were raised over the lack of clear details and the adequacy of short-term measures for heavy rainfall.
Efforts are focused on the most flood-prone areas, such as Shaikh Salman Highway near Danube, the Isa Town Tunnel, Baghdad Avenue at Isa Town’s entrance, and 16th December Highway near the General Directorate of Traffic. Residents are urged not to open rainwater drainage covers to avoid causing disruptions in the system and to maintain the separation of rainwater and sewage networks. In addition to drainage efforts, the Ministry is cleaning both sanitary and rainwater systems using high-pressure jetting machines as part of the ongoing clean-up initiated on April 1, 2023.
Maintenance of sanitary stations, including electrical and mechanical repairs, as well as cleaning of pumping station tanks, is scheduled to begin on March 3, 2024, and continue until December 31, 2025, with six contractors appointed for the task. An emergency plan is in place from March 9, 2024, to March 8, 2026, with four contractors utilizing suction machines to manage rainwater tanks during heavy downpours. The progress of these initiatives is being monitored through the Tawasul programme, ensuring the effectiveness of the measures taken to prevent flooding in the Southern Governorate.
In response to concerns raised at the meeting with the Southern Municipal Council, suggestions were made to form an emergency team consisting of Ministry staff, local representatives, and council members. The importance of fulfilling promises made by the Ministry was emphasized, urging for clear communication and transparency in the implementation of flood prevention measures. As preparations continue for the rainy season, collaboration between government authorities and local stakeholders will be crucial in effectively managing rainwater and minimizing the risk of flooding in the Southern Governorate.
Overall, the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture and The Ministry of Works are proactively working towards implementing a comprehensive plan to manage rainwater and prevent flooding in the Southern Governorate. With the establishment of rainwater collection points, ongoing drainage projects, and maintenance efforts, steps are being taken to address flood-prone areas and enhance the resilience of the region during the rainy season. By prioritizing coordination with municipal councils and local representatives, a collective approach is being adopted to ensure effective flood prevention measures and readiness for the challenges posed by heavy rainfall.
