Sooq al-Jumaa – The Sooq al-Jumaa Municipality has held the central government politically and administratively responsible for failures in the rainwater drainage system, which have led to flooding, road closures, blocked neighborhood entrances, and disruption to citizens’ movement on Tuesday. The municipality rejected the transformation of public projects into what it described as “promotional facades” that cannot withstand rainfall.
In a statement, the municipality said it has followed with deep concern the buildup of water in the area. It stressed that this situation reflects years of neglect, temporary measures, and projects unintegrated with urban planning, not a sudden disaster with no warning.
The statement noted that the municipality has repeatedly alerted central authorities to the lack of a comprehensive rainwater drainage network, demanding solutions to the problem. However, according to the municipality, the response from relevant authorities has not matched the seriousness of the situation. Road projects have continued without the necessary upgrades to protect homes and neighborhoods.
The municipality criticized how government projects are evaluated, saying success should not be measured by images or opening ceremonies. Projects should be judged on sound design, quality construction, and long-term ability to solve problems. It called for putting the protection of residents and property at the center of government responsibilities.
The municipality urged immediate action to address flood damage, reopen roads, and secure entrances to affected areas. It also called for specialized technical bodies to prepare urgent and comprehensive studies for a proper rainwater drainage system in accordance with engineering standards.
Additionally, the municipality called for reviewing completed and ongoing road projects to ensure they are integrated with drainage networks. It demanded accountability for any failures determined by technical evaluations.
The statement stressed the need for adequate funding to build a sustainable drainage system, instead of continued spending on temporary fixes that lead to recurring crises every year. The municipality called for a clear and public implementation timeline that defines project stages, responsible parties, sources of funding, and oversight mechanisms.
The municipality said ongoing damage every rainy season is no longer acceptable and cannot be blamed solely on weather conditions. It argued that rainfall is a natural event, while poor planning and infrastructure require review and accountability. The municipality pledged to continue demanding rights for local residents and rejected placing the entire burden of delays on citizens. It said the government’s duty is to protect cities and residents, not just announce projects.