Saudi flood probe panel sees serious lapses in projects

Riyadh: The higher committee probing the Jeddah rainstorm disaster found fault with some contractors and establishments that implemented municipal projects in the flood-stricken districts.

In the first statement issued after starting its investigation, the committee disclosed that it has decided to summon representatives of all the contractors and establishments that implemented various projects in the flooded areas following detection of serious lapses in those projects.

The committee was formed under a decree by King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz to conduct a thorough probe into all aspects of the problem in order to establish the precise cause and try to determine responsibility.

A source close to the committee, headed by the Governor of Makkah Prince Khaled Al Faisal, told Gulf News that the prima facie investigation showed that the number of companies responsible for faulty implementation of the projects is limited and would not exceed five firms.

The official declined to disclose details of the companies as it may hamper the investigation.

Interrogation

The committee, comprising senior officials of several government departments, is continuing interrogation of senior officials of the municipality and other concerned departments, including those with the rank of minister. Several retired officials also appeared before the committee after receiving a summons.

The committee is expediting questioning of all the present and former officials of government departments and private companies relating to rainwater and sewage projects in the city.

After chairing the first meeting of the committee last Saturday, Prince Khaled said that the committee will present the report to King Abdullah after completing the investigationquickly.

The committee has urged citizens and residents to contact it through its website (www.jed-investigation.org.sa) or telephone (026648888 ext. 2504/2505) or fax 022832030) to provide evidence or any information that may be supportive to the investigation.

Meanwhile, the death toll in the floods that struck east of Jeddah on November 25 has risen to 117 following the discovery of another body, said Brigadier Mohammad Al Qarni, spokesman for the Civil Defence.

He said 48 people were still missing.