Saudi Arabia launched a $106 million project on Saturday, aimed at pumping potable water from the kingdom’s southern desert to the southern Najran region.
The Saudi Ministry of Electricity and Water signed a contract with Al-Suwaih Agricultural Trading Company for the project, which is expected to be completed within 36 months.
Electricity and Water Minister ‘Abdallah Al-Hussein spoke about plans to construct an underground dam in Najran to block the subterranean flow of water, the Saudi Arab News reported. He said the two projects will play a major role in solving Najran’s water problems.
Governor of Najran, Prince Mash’al Bin Sa’oud said about 60 percent of Najran’s population depends on agriculture and are in need of more water for the growing population and the expansion of agriculture and industry.
Recent studies indicate that Saudi Arabia’s southern desert, A-Rub’ Al-Khali (‘The Empty Quarter’) holds considerable groundwater resources.