In a strategic move aimed at improving the quality of life in Saudi cities, the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing continues its intensive efforts by launching a package of integrated initiatives to address visual pollution and enhance traffic safety and the efficiency of the road network across the Kingdom. This comprehensive campaign is part of a broader framework aimed at building modern and safe urban environments that enhance the comfort and safety of residents and align with the objectives of the Quality of Life Program, one of the key programs of Saudi Vision 2030.
General context: Part of an ambitious national vision
Urban improvement projects are no longer mere routine maintenance; they have become an integral part of the Kingdom's national transformation. With rapid population growth and urban expansion over the past decades, challenges have emerged regarding preserving the visual identity of cities and ensuring the sustainability of their infrastructure. This campaign addresses these challenges, translating the goals of Vision 2030 into concrete actions on the ground, aiming to position Saudi cities among the best in the world to live in. Addressing visual pollution is not limited to aesthetics; it extends to improving public health and fostering a sense of belonging among community members.
Campaign objectives and main themes
The field initiatives launched by the municipalities and secretariats focus on addressing factors that directly impact driver behavior and pedestrian safety. These field efforts encompass a wide range of measures, including:
- Road maintenance: Repairing potholes, cracks, and damaged parts of the asphalt to ensure smooth traffic flow and reduce damage to vehicles.
- Road markings: Repainting and rehabilitating road markings and pedestrian crossings to improve their visibility, which contributes to regulating traffic flow and guiding drivers effectively.
- Sidewalks and guardrails: Rehabilitating dilapidated sidewalks, painting side barriers, and removing distorted concrete barriers that obstruct visibility and disrupt the overall appearance.
- Traffic management: Reorganizing speed bumps and adjusting their locations according to approved standards to slow down speed in locations that require it without causing traffic disruption.
- Removal of debris: Removing damaged and neglected vehicles from streets and public parking areas, which constitute a traffic obstacle and a source of visual pollution.
Importance and expected impact
The importance of this campaign extends beyond immediate improvements, leaving a lasting impact at the local and regional levels. Locally, improving the urban landscape contributes to enhanced road safety and reduced accident rates, while also improving the daily commute experience for citizens and residents. Nationally, these efforts support the Kingdom's ambitions to bolster its tourism sector, as the quality of infrastructure and the beauty of its cities are key factors in attracting visitors and providing a distinctive tourist experience. With the Kingdom preparing to host major global events such as Expo 2030 and the 2034 FIFA World Cup, these projects are essential for presenting a positive image of Saudi cities to the world.
Community partnership for integrated efforts
The Ministry emphasized that improving the urban landscape is a shared responsibility requiring concerted efforts between government sectors and the community. In this context, the Ministry has provided direct communication channels for citizens to report observations of visual pollution through the “Baladi” platform and its mobile application, or by calling the unified reporting number (940). This integration of institutional efforts and community participation enhances the efficiency of the response and expedites the processing of reports, ensuring the achievement of desired goals and the building of more vibrant and sustainable cities.
