Relic town to get modern services

Tuesday, 22 April 2008
By Kholood F. Al-Rhamah
Saudi Gazette

The ancient ruins of the town of Alghat are about to spring back to life.

Thanks to the Saudi Ministry of Water and Electricity, ancient history and archeology buffs would have two more reasons to go and appreciate the town’s rich history: running water and places for comfort.

The ministry has signed two contracts with a private company to connect the ancient town, outside Riyadh, with water and sewer systems.

The first contract, worth SR2.2 million, will provide the town with fresh water.

The other contract will begin with laying a main sewer line, at a cost of SR3.8 million.

Abdul-Ilah Aal Al-Sheikh, executive manager or the Tourism Development Department in Riyadh, said the rehabilitation of Alghat is part of a broader program to revamp ancient ruin towns in the Kingdom, which is being conducted by the Supreme Commission for Tourism, in cooperation with various other government agencies.

“The program aims to develop the old towns in the Kingdom economically and culturally, in a way that preserves their real identities and makes them a source of revenue for the local residents, along with providing job opportunities,” Aal Al-Sheikh told the Saudi Gazette.

The program also aims to boost tourism and jump-start services in these areas, like hotels, rented apartments, restaurants and transportation.

It would also contribute to give locals a reason to stay in their villages in order to maintain a developmental balance.

The SCT is executing the program in cooperation with the Ministries of Interior, Social Affairs, Transportation, Water and Electricity, Agriculture, Islamic Affairs, Endowments and the Call, Municipal and Rural Affairs, the Information Technology Commission, a number of private companies and local communities in various regions.