Integrated efforts to improve the urban landscape in Al-Rafia
As part of its unwavering commitment to enhancing quality of life and improving services for citizens, Al-Rafia Municipality announced the completion of a range of field, service, and oversight projects during the past month. These efforts included large-scale environmental initiatives, infrastructure maintenance work, and monitoring campaigns to ensure compliance with health and regulatory standards, reflecting a comprehensive approach to sustainable urban development.
Green initiatives and combating visual pollution
The Mayor of Al-Rafia, Mr. Saud Al-Duwaish, explained that the municipality has given considerable attention to increasing green spaces and combating visual pollution. In this context, approximately 6,000 trees and roses (5,954 to be precise) have been planted in main and secondary streets, in addition to the restoration and landscaping of 8,750 square meters of parks and green areas. Regarding cleanliness, municipal teams have removed 780 cubic meters of construction and demolition debris, cleared 12 meters of graffiti from walls, and collected 3,370 tons of household waste – essential steps for maintaining a healthy and clean environment.
Infrastructure maintenance to serve the population
The municipality's efforts were not limited to aesthetics and environmental aspects, but extended to the maintenance of vital infrastructure. Operations and maintenance teams completed repairs to a number of electrical transformers and lighting poles, contributing to enhanced public safety and efficient lighting in residential neighborhoods and on roads. Street potholes were also repaired to improve traffic flow and reduce potential damage to vehicles, directly addressing the daily needs of residents.
A step towards achieving the Kingdom's Vision 2030
These local initiatives in Al-Rafia are an integral part of the broader national direction embodied in the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. The Quality of Life Program, one of the Vision’s key initiatives, aims to improve the lifestyle of individuals and families and build a society where its members enjoy a balanced way of life. Afforestation projects and urban landscape enhancement directly contribute to achieving this goal. These efforts also align with the ambitious Saudi Green Initiative, which aims to plant billions of trees across the Kingdom to combat desertification, improve air quality, and contribute to global efforts to address climate change.
Importance and future impact
At the local level, these projects positively impact the residents of Al-Rafia by providing a healthier environment, green spaces, and safer and more aesthetically pleasing streets. At the national level, the success of such initiatives in small and medium-sized cities serves as a replicable model, underscoring that sustainable development is a collective responsibility that begins with local communities. The continuation of these efforts not only contributes to improving the overall appearance but also instills an environmental culture among residents and strengthens their connection to their place. Al-Duwaish concluded his statement by affirming that these projects will continue according to well-defined operational plans to ensure the delivery of the best services and the achievement of the highest quality standards, in line with the aspirations of the leadership and the citizens.
