WADI HANIFAH COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT PLAN

(1)

Environmental Management & Protection Department

WADI HANIFAH COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT PLAN

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

October 2002

(2)

(3)

CONTENTS

PAGE

1.0

THE HISTORICAL IMPORTANCE OF WADI

HANIFAH TO THE CITY OF ARRIYADH

1

2.0

THE CURRENT CONDITION OF THE WADI

1

3.0

THE CONSEQUENCES OF TAKING NO ACTION

2

4.0

THE ACTIONS TAKEN SO FAR

3

5.0

THE WADI HANIFAH COMPREHENSIVE

DEVELOPMENT PLAN

5

6.0

THE IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAMME

8

6.1

RATIONALE

8

6.2

THE WADI HANIFAH

RESTORATION PROJECT

10

6.3

WADI HANIFAH DEVELOPMENT

PROGRAM

12

6.4

PARTICIPATION OF THE PRIVATE

SECTOR

13

7.0

WADI HANIFAH MANAGEMENT

14

8.0

RECOMMENDED ACTIONS

19

(4)

(5)

Wadi Hanifah Comprehensive Development Plan

1.0 THE HISTORICAL IMPORTANCE OF WADI HANIFAH TO THE CITY OF ARRIYADH

Located in the middle of the Najd Plateau of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Wadi Hanifah watershed is the most significant natural landmark of the Region. Its basin and many tributaries form a unique 120 kilometre long ecological region that descends from the Tuwaiq Escarpment in the northwest to open desert southeast of Riyadh. The city's history is inextricably tied to that of Wadi Hanifah.

An oasis in the heart of the Arabian peninsula, the water, land and resources of the Wadi Hanifah watershed system have provided sustenance for communities along its length. For centuries a balance prevailed between the wadi and the people, between natural processes and human interventions. Stability existed because the inhabitants were completely dependent on the Wadi for survival and prosperity.

The First Saudi State strategically located its capital at Addiriyyah on the west bank of Wadi Hanifah, taking advantage of water, stone, and arable lands. Subsequently Arriyadh developed on the east side of the Wadi Hanifah watershed as the new capital of the modern Saudi State. Until the rapid expansion of Arriyadh, in particular up to the early 1970's, the city and the wadi existed in harmony with each other. Wadi Hanifah was used as a sustainable resource for water and food, and a balance prevailed.

2.0 THE CURRENT CONDITION OF THE WADI

From the early 1970's Arriyadh expanded westward towards Wadi Hanifah, eventually spreading along its west bank. The Wadi was exploited to satisfy the increasing demand for water resources and to provide mineral resources to meet the massive construction needs arising from the rapid growth of the City. By the 1980's water resources in the Wadi and in the Region could not cope with the demand, and water table levels had dropped well below sustainable limits. To meet this new level of demand water began to be supplied from the desalination plant in the Eastern Province. This brought with it new problems: the rise in groundwater, and the need to control this. As the natural drainage system for the Region, the Wadi provided the solution: groundwater control by discharge into the Wadi.

The resulting permanent flows to the lakes south of AI Hair have been a mixed blessing. On the one hand dry weather flows have created attractive microclimates for diverse plant and wildlife communities, as well as recreational opportunities for people. On the other hand the permanent flow is perceived as a sewer because water quality is poor, it smells in places, and is a health hazard in others.

Executive Summary

(6)

Despite regular attempts to improve the condition of Wadi Hanifah, mainly by clearing dumped material, the ongoing condition of the Wadi remains poor.

Responsibilities for its ongoing condition and health remain unclear because the Wadi lacks special planning and development status. Lack of a co-ordinated comprehensive plan for the Wadi that addresses ongoing problems has made it difficult to improve and restore Wadi Hanifah to health and provide improved quality of life for the people of Arriyadh. The following issues continue to go unanswered:

• Environmental degradation, loss of natural functioning and ecosystem productivity of the Wadi through unsustainable use of land, water, energy and other resources.

• Lack of special development controls for Wadi Hanifah and its environs.

• Illegal dumping of solid and liquid wastes.

• Development that has led to encroachments into the flood flow channel, and to changes of levels of the Wadi bed. These conditions have negatively affected the Wadi's function as a natural drainage system, and its ability to deal with floods.

• Inadequate system of surface flow channels, which receive flow resulting from rising groundwater as well as discharge from the Manfouha Sewage Treatment Plant. The measures taken so far have provided an interim response to the problem, but require planning and co-ordination that address a broader range of issues.

• Uncontrolled discharges into the Wadi surface flow channel and/or its tributaries - for example from the abattoir, the tannery, and unauthorised discharges from sewage tankers.

• Health issues related to the quality of water in surface flow channels because of uncontrolled discharges.

• The general waste of a potentially valuable water recycling resource.

• Visual degradation, resulting from loss of natural environment, dumping, quarrying, lack of co-ordinated infrastructure installation, and lack of development control.

• Uncoordinated use of the Wadi for trunk utilities, such as sanitary, potable water, irrigation mains, and use of the wadi for overhead electrical distribution.

The degradation of the Wadi needs to be reversed if a sustainable future for the City and the Region is to be achieved.

3.0 THE CONSEQUENCES OF TAKING NO ACTION

Taking no action will likely result in the continued deterioration of Wadi Hanifah and its environs. Without adequate action the following problems will persist or even escalate:

2 Executive Summary

(7)

• Loss of ecological functioning and productivity, including loss of biodiversity.

• Struggle to reverse the cycle of decline.

• Difficulties in controlling illegal dumping and discharges.

• Poor water quality and related health concerns.

• Loss of opportunity to use recycled water for both growing City and agriculture demand, and consequent yet greater reliance on costly water supplies from desalination plants.

• Difficulty in controlling encroachments and reducing flood damage.

• Loss of opportunity to create visual landscape quality in the wadi.

• Loss of opportunity for open space, recreation and tourism amenity, which are already in short supply, and essential to meet the future needs of an expanding population.

• Loss of opportunity to add quality to existing and future neighbouring urban developments.

• Loss of agricultural opportunities.

• Loss of employment opportunities.

• Lack of improvement in public perception of the value of Wadi Hanifah.

Ad hoc measures only provide temporary relief, and not long-term solutions. To achieve significant improvement and permanent benefits it will be necessary to adopt a common vision for Wadi Hanifah, a co-ordinated strategy for change, and the management to make it possible.

4.0 THE ACTIONS TAKEN SO FAR

Investigations into the serious consequences of development, ground water rise, and dumping in Wadi Hanifah began in the 1980's. Actions have been taken progressively to alleviate the degradation of the Wadi environment, and to prepare for a comprehensive development plan for Wadi Hanifah.

Extensive and in-depth studies dealing with the rise of groundwater, resulting from the major expansion of Arriyadh, and its effect on Wadi Hanifah were undertaken in the 1980's. Groundwater is drained from the City through the storm drainage system, and discharged into a surface flow channel in Wadi Hanifah, which drains the flow south of AI Hair. This has been an appropriate and positive solution to the problem of urban groundwater rise, but does not fully exploit the potential benefits of the water flows because water quality has not been adequately addressed.

The need for a comprehensive development plan for Wadi Hanifah led the Arriyadh Development Authority (ADA) to carry out technical studies in parallel with the development of a strategy for the Wadi. In addition to the groundwater studies and ongoing groundwater monitoring, the Arriyadh Development Authority undertook studies on water resource and flooding, as well as historical

Executive Summary 3

(8)

and archaeological assets. These studies, as well as ongoing water flow and quality monitoring were used as the technical basis of the Strategy for Wadi Hanifah, which was adopted in 1994.

The core objectives of the 1994 Strategy for Wadi Hanifah were as follows:

• Conservation of the Wadi natural environment.

• Removal of disorderly activities and uses.

• Preparation of the wadi as a natural drainage course for Arriyadh.

• Use as a recreational area.

• Enhancing and upgrading agricultural use.

• Preservation and utilisation of heritage assets.

The 1994 Strategy has only been partially implemented.

Quarrying in Wadi Hanifah has been stopped. Whilst the Wadi provided a convenient and sUbstantial source of stone and aggregates for construction, mining and excavation activities severely damaged the landforms of the Wadi.

Cessation of this activity within the Wadi has had a positive effect, although uncontrolled dumping in some quarries has created a potential health hazard. Where the dumping is of inert building or excavation material, no health risk has been created. However, where dumping is of industrial, clinical or domestic waste, there is a risk of groundwater or surface runoff contamination.

There have also been significant and frequent actions taken to clear dumped material throughout the Wadi. These have led to an immediate improvement in appearance, but not to the cessation of dumping as a general practice.

The Wadi continues to deteriorate because proper implementation of the 1994 Strategy requires a comprehensive and co-ordinated development plan, as well as a management structure to implement this plan. Adoption of a comprehensive development plan for Wadi Hanifah would provide a framework for action to restore the ecosystem functioning of the Wadi, create healthy environments and provide opportunities for water reclamation, in addition to improvements to quality of life. Without adoption of a comprehensive development plan, and the actions to implement such a plan, there is a real risk that Wadi Hanifah will continue to decline, keeping opportunities for recreation, tourism and water recycling beyond reach, and preventing future generations from meeting their basic needs.

The Arriyadh Development Authority therefore appointed consultants in July 2001 to draw together the completed studies, and prepare a comprehensive development plan for the Wadi to meet the future needs of the City. The terms of reference also required that designs be prepared for a first contract of works for Wadi restoration from the AI-lib Dam in the north to AI Hair in the south.

4 Executive Summary

(9)

5 .0

THE WADI HANIFAH COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT PLAN The Wadi Hanifah Comprehensive Development Plan is comprised of a Vision and Master Plan for the Wadi, as well as programmes for environmental restoration, open space and recreation, and is supported by technical and administrative guidelines. The Master Plan was presented in November 2001 by the Arriyadh Development Authority and its consultants to an invited audience of representatives from government agencies with responsibilities related to Wadi Hanifah, including the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs, the Municipality, the Police, the Presidency of Meteorology

&

Environment (formerly known as MEPA) and the Riyadh Water and Sewage Department. The supporting documentation of programmes and guidelines and principles has now been completed. Additionally, full contract documentation has been prepared for a contract to be let for environmental, roads and infrastructure restoration of the Wadi bed, to begin the process of implementation of the Comprehensive Development Plan.

The Comprehensive Development Plan consists of nine components: 1. Land Use Plan

The Master Plan for Wadi Hanifah is the manifestation of the vision of Wadi Hanifah as a Living Wadi, a sustainable oasis that is clean, green, safe and healthy. The aim of the Master Plan is to set a framework for restoration, conservation, development, education and stewardship within Wadi Hanifah. It is intended to help the people in the communities along the length of the Wadi, the people of Arriyadh, and those who visit the Region to realise the potential of this magnificent and often ignored asset.

The Land Use Plan covers the 4,500 square kilometres catchment of Wadi Hanifah and its tributaries. It defines all land uses throughout Wadi Hanifah. It proposes a mix of environmental protectorates, new agriculture, recreation and leisure, and tourism and eco-tourism development, in addition to existing residential, agriculture and villages. It does not allow environmentally detrimental and non-conforming activities such as quarrying and heavy industry. To accomplish this the Land Use Plan designates a boundary for Wadi Hanifah and its related environments. Within this boundary it is proposed that special planning and use policies apply, and that a special organisation be established to look after the Wadi and to oversee the implementation of restoration and development projects within the Wadi boundary.

2. Water Resource Management Plan

The Water Resources Management Plan provides for restoration of flood performance, improvement of water quality in the surface flows, and future needs for water reuse. In particular, it provides for the following needs.

(10)

6

• Improvement of flood performance and flood management;

• Improvement of surface water quality and establishment of natural treatment processes;

• Improvement of surface flow channels and their management;

• Removal of threats to water quality;

• Policies to protect water quality and abstraction sources in the future;

• Management practices and policies to protect the Wadi from inappropriate development and encroachment, to reduce the risk from flooding;

• Prevention of unauthorised encroachments, through a strengthened planning process;

• Upgrading of the water monitoring network and establishment of a methodology to ensure maximum benefit is gained from the data;

• Development of a Wadi Hanifah water resources computer model to assist in assessing potential future conditions and impacts of development scenarios;

• Making available volumes of suitable quality water for recycling.

The water resource management proposals take account of variation from dry weather to flood flow conditions. They take account of a range of possible uses and scenarios, and they will be able to accommodate the projected increase in flows and increasing demands for water reuse from the expanding Arriyadh.

3.

Environmental Management Plan

The Environmental Plan looks at the breadth of habitats in the Wadi Hanifah Reserve and surrounding region, presenting a management scheme that considers how these various habitats will work together to enhance the Wadi.

A number of animals within the Wadi Hanifah watershed have significant species status. Management strategies protecting and regenerating the biological requirements for their habitats have been considered in the Environmental Plan.

Ecologically sustainable uses are promoted in the Environmental Plan through mechanisms to enhance the efficiency and wholeness of the Wadi ecosystem. Bioremediation of nutrient and bacterial loads entering the Wadi is proposed by enhancement of aquatic and adjacent riparian habitats to facilitate a more complex and robust food web ecology.

Establishment of an ecosystem database is proposed to allow future managers to adapt to new data, knowledge and adjust management strategies to accommodate the dynamics of the entire ecosystem as the city grows and the biotic system matures.

Executive Summary

(11)

Ten categories of Policy Areas (PA) are proposed based on broad physiographic and ecological parameters. Two relate to the Wadi riparian habitats and the presence (PA1) or absence (PA2) of permanent surface waters. The third relates to the uplands within the urban environs (PA3) and the fourth encompasses lands outside the urban environs, largely isolated from the major impacts of the city and intensive human uses (PA4). Two Policy Areas are proposed for the extreme south of the Wadi in Wadi Hanifah Non-Metropolitan Areas and concern Wadi Laha (PA5) and the Wadi Hanifah Terminus (PA6). Additionally, four Special Policy Areas are developed for Eco-tourism and Heritage Sites (PA7); Urban Impact Buffers (PA8); Special Clean-up and Control Sites (PA9); and Intensive Agricultural Sites (PA1O). These policy areas are based on large- scale ecological factors. For each Policy Area, management considerations are detailed with respect to restrictions or controls in access and land use, and requirements for buffers and management strategies to enhance and protect biodiversity and promote a sustainable Wadi ecosystem for all policy sub-areas.

4. Environmental Guidelines

This document provides the guidelines for ecological sustain ability, environmental health and quality of life in Wadi Hanifah. It deals broadly with principles and guidelines for developing an ecological database and monitoring programme, environmental impact assessment of new development, water, air and soil contamination, remediation of water, water conservation and reuse, rehabilitation of natural environments and landforms, restoration and protection of wildlife and habitat, as well as public awareness and education. It is envisaged that these guidelines will be used by the authority responsible for Wadi Hanifah, to enforce environmental controls and ensure environmental gains throughout Wadi Hanifah and its environs.

5. Environmental Restoration and Conservation Programme

The full range of work required for environmental restoration and conservation in Wadi Hanifah is described on a site-by-site basis in this document. Project discussions include intent, standards, requirements for technical design as well as priority.

6. Open Space and Recreation Program

As restoration of the environment of the wadi proceeds, the Master Plan envisages Wadi Hanifah developing as a significant destination for recreation and tourism. This document describes all of the recreation and tourism projects (public and private sector) to be developed within the the Wadi Hanifah and its environs.

Executive Summary 7

(12)

Wadi Hanifah Comprehensive Developmenl Plan

7. Controls and Design Guides to Development

This document defines all of the permitted land uses within the boundaries of the Wadi Hanifah, and all planning and development controls which apply to each land use.

8. Infrastructure and Engineering Principles

The engineering construction of utilities, roads and flood and surface flow channel works are specially developed for Wadi Hanifah. These are described in this document, with the intention that all currently proposed and future engineering works within the Wadi are consistent in terms of quality, performance and visual appearance. It is envisaged that it will be used by the authority responsible for Wadi Hanifah, together with all other relevant Agencies to ensure that all infrastructure and engineering works in the Wadi are co-ordinated and meet the quality, visual and performance requirements.

9. Urban Management Principles

This document examines the roles of the High Commission, the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs, the Arriyadh Development Authority, the Amanah, and the district municipalities in the current management structure for the city of Arriyadh. It then goes on to consider in detail the options for responsibility and management of the Wadi Hanifah district, and finally makes a recommendation for the preferred option of management structure.

Contract documents, of drawings, specifications, bills of quantities and conditions of contract have been prepared, ready to tender, for a Wadi Restoration Project, to be implemented as the first essential stage of restoration and conservation of the Wadi. The works covered by the contract documents include flood performance restoration, improvements to the surface flow channels, water quality remediation measures, landscaping and associated roads and infrastructure improvements. These works are described in more detail in 6.0 below.

6.0 THE IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAMME

8

6.1 RATIONALE

The capital construction works to implement the Master Plan have been divided into two programmes, which are described in detail on the next pages:

• The Wadi Hanifah Restoration Project being those construction works necessary to restore flood performance and water quality and to complete the Wadi Bed restoration; and

Executive Summary

(13)

• Wadi Hanifah Development Programme being those public infrastructure and public landscape capital construction works which, together with private sector investment projects, will build on the platform provided by the Wadi Hanifah Restoration Project to complete the implementation of the Wadi Hanifah Comprehensive Development Plan.

The Wadi Hanifah Restoration Project begins the overall implementation process by first meeting existing demands along Wadi Hanifah before addressing future needs. This requires:

1. Restoring and protecting the environmental values of Wadi Hanifah and upgrading its functionality including:

• Cleaning the Wadi bed of dumping.

• Improving the flood performance of the channel by reprofiling and regrading.

• Improving the Wadi road network in relation to the proposed water restoration works, to better accommodate local access needs, connections to the Riyadh road network and provide better performing and safer local Wadi roads.

• Improving and relocating the utilities network in the Wadi required by the proposed water restoration works and proposed road works.

• Introducing landscaping to re-establish natural Wadi Bed vegetation.

• Improving the surface flow channels and introducing discharge, bio-remediation and monitoring practices to clean the water flowing through Wadi Hanifah.

2. Developing a major part of the Wadi Bed Naturalized Parkland and Recreational/Interpretative Trail to get early public participation and use of the Wadi environment and to get public "buy-in" and

"ownership" of the Wadi project.

3. Establishing a platform of a clean environment, accessibility, environmental quality, public landscape and cultural resources to attract private investment for additional private sector projects. This is critical to attract private sector tourism investment.

The Wadi Hanifah Development Programme builds on the Wadi Hanifah Restoration Project and then continues with strategic public and private sector projects to more fully develop the environmental, cultural, recreational and water resources of the Wadi Hanifah by:

1. Providing open spaces and parklands along the Wadi and extending them into surrounding residential areas.

2. Developing the magnificent cultural resources of Wadi Hanifah, particularly at Addiriyyah, Hay AI Masani, the Old Dam and Old AI Hair.

(14)

3. Re-establishing the natural landscape in the desert tablelands and rangelands of the desert catchment area above the Wadi bed, including construction of check dams.

4. Providing private sector investments to renew the Seyah mixed use development area.

5. Providing private sector investment opportunities for recreational and leisure facilities.

6. Providing private sector investment opportunities for tourism development.

7. Providing private sector investment for innovative agricultural development.

8. Constructing the impoundment downstream of AI Hair, to meet future reserve capacity needs for water recycling in Arriyadh. 9. Constructing water recycling and treatment facilities, to meet

future water recycling needs in Arriyadh.

6.2 THE WADI HANIFAH RESTORATION PROJECT

The Wadi Hanifah Restoration Project comprises those capital construction works within the Wadi Bed that are considered to be a priority to restore the Wadi Bed. It includes all works of flood flow restoration, surface water flow restoration and Wadi ground water drainage, particularly those within the urban limits of the city. Also included are those roadworks and utility diversion works, which must be carried out in order to achieve the flood and surface flow channel improvement works. Bio-remediation works to improve water quality for re-use and multi-use for tourism, agriculture additional open space uses is also included.

The Wadi Hanifah Restoration Project also includes landscape and infrastructure works that would have a significant early benefit to the image of the Wadi, such as the recreational and interpretative trail and Wadi Bed naturalized parkland.

In detail, the Wadi Hanifah Restoration Project includes: Clearing Waste

• Removal of all dumped waste material.

Earthworks

• Excavation and earthworks for improving the performance of the flood flow channel throughout the Wadi, and removing unwanted standing water.

10 Execulive Summary

(15)

• Cleaning of selected faces of the Wadi escarpment, to provide a local dramatic change of image in areas that are currently seriously degraded.

Constructions in the Flood Flow Channel

• Constructing rock armour protection and rock bed protection in relation to water restoration works.

• Constructing retaining walls and training walls.

• Constructing bridging access crossings to properties to replace current embankment crossings, where these adversely affect flood flow performance.

• Constructing under-channel drainage, upstream of the Hanifah

dam, to control ground water rise.

• Constructing open flow channel, downstream of the Hanifah dam, to accommodate intermittent surface flows.

Works to the Surface Flow Channel

• Reprofiling the surface flow channel from the North Diversion Channel to AI Hair to improve its performance and contribution to ground water drainage.

• Improving connections from discharges to the surface flow channel.

• Constructing weirs to aid oxygenation of water flow.

• Constructing culvert crossings to the surface flow channel.

Roads, Bridge Works and Car Parks

• Developing new or realigned roads in the Wadi bed within the urban limits of the main Wadi, including junctions, as appropriate, and connections to the existing system.

• Implementing Wadi bed re-modelling and associated scour protection at bridges to improve flows at existing bridges.

• Constructing a new bridge over the Ba'tha Channel.

• Developing car parking lay-bys, related to the new road works. Utility Works

• Implementing sewer, potable water, raw water and irrigation water trunk main utility diversion works necessary for the flood flow channel restoration works.

• Diverting drainage, water supply, electricity and telecommunications utilities to dedicated corridors, wherever required to implement the flood flow channel restoration.

• Lowering of projecting sewer manholes.

Executive Summary II

(16)

Landscape and Hardscape Works

• Developing stream bank planting.

• Developing Wadi bed naturalized parkland.

• Constructing the Recreational and Interpretative trail.

Bioremediation of the Surface Flow

• Adding a rock lining within the surface flow channel.

• Adding pools and biological filters in the flow channel.

• Constructing water bio-remediation cells.

Hydrological, Hydrogeological and Water Quality Monitoring

• Installing additional boreholes.

• Installing additional rain gauges.

• Constructing flood gauges, and installation of flow loggers.

• Carrying out periodic sampling, testing and assessment of water quality.

The full implementation of this programme of works for the Wadi Hanifah Restoration Project is needed in order to establish Wadi Hanifah as the central environmental focus of Riyadh.

The cost of the capital construction works for the Wadi Hanifah Restoration Project has been estimated at SR510m.

6.3 WADI HANIFAH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

The Wadi Hanifah Development Programme builds on the Wadi Hanifah Restoration Project and completes the implementation of the Comprehensive Development Plan for Wadi Hanifah. It is the programme of works to establish Wadi Hanifah as a parkland environment providing much needed open space, recreation and tourism facilities for the city. It provides for opportunities for residential and commercial development, which benefit from the quality of the restored environment of Wadi Hanifah. It restores a vegetated desert environment in the tablelands and rangelands of the desert catchment area, improved through the construction of soil and water conservation elements.

The scope of this public infrastructure and landscape works related to the Wadi Hanifah Development Programme is as follows:

Roads and Car Parks

• Constructing roads required for tourism, recreation and other development.

12 Executive Summary

(17)

• Constructing car parks required for tourism, recreation and other development.

Landscape and Hardscape Works

• Constructing check dams and micro catchments for Wadi habitat regeneration.

• Re-establishing natural Wadi vegetation in the desert areas.

• Extending the Wadi bed naturalized parkland.

• Extending the recreational and interpretative trail.

• Restoring Hay AI Masani historical agricultural settlement at the Historic Dam.

• Developing neighbourhood Parks.

• Developing special parks, such as urban parks and visitor attraction parks, intensively landscaped, and irrigated.

Water Recycling and Treatment Facilities

• Building on the Wadi Restoration project, installing facilities for abstraction and recycling of water, and for reservoir capacity.

Hydrological, Hydrogeological and Water Quality Monitoring

• Continuing sampling, testing and assessment of water quality.

The cost of the capital construction works for all of the public sector implementation programme to complete the Wadi Hanifah Comprehensive Development Plan, including the Wadi Hanifah Restoration Project, has been estimated at approximately SR1,725m. Not included in these costs are water re-cycling plant and networks, public projects in Addiriyyah, private sector investment in community centres, tourism facilities, recreation and leisure facilities, commercial/institutional development, new residential districts, and new agriculture.

It is recommended that the projects within the Wadi Hanifah Development Plan, which follow on from the Wadi Restoration Project, be prioritised. The Environmental Program and the Open Space and Recreation Program divide the projects into first and second priorities.

6.4 PARTICIPATION OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR

Private sector investment opportunities are created as a result of the programme of public sector investment. These are:

(18)

In the upper rural reaches of Wadi Hanifah

o AI lib Regional Open Space, including 3 concession centres for refreshments.

o A Family Entertainment Complex on an 8 hectare site in the AI lib Regional Open Space.

o A Family Sports and Leisure Activity Complex in the AI lib Regional Open Space.

In the northern urban area of Wadi Hanifah

o Addiriyyah conservation and tourism development.

o Irqah tourism development on a 2.6 hectare site. In the southern urban area of Wadi Hanifah

o Riyadh Oasis Gardens on a 65 hectare site.

o Seyah Mixed Use Development

In the lower rural reaches of Wadi Hanifah

o AI Hair tourism development of resort hotels

o AI Hair Tourism Parks

o Destination Resort Attraction south of AI Hair

o Proposed new irrigated farms on an overall area of 4500 hectares

o Proposed innovative agriculture on an overall area of 9100 hectares.

7.0 WADI HANIFAH MANAGEMENT

It is proposed that the area within the boundaries defined in the Wadi Hanifah Comprehensive Development Plan including the flood flow zone and the desert tablelands in the upper reaches of the rural catchment, be designated as the Wadi Hanifah Reserve. This designation implies that all of the land within the Wadi Hanifah Reserve shall be subject to special environmental and development controls. The Wadi Hanifah Comprehensive Development Plan requires that an Urban Management System be established for the Wadi Hanifah Reserve due to the complex nature of current ownership and administration, and the very sensitive Wadi environment. The management system will need to address:

o Institutional co-ordination

o Policy development

o Land management

o Regulatory instruments

o Structure and Responsibilities

o Financing principles and Funding sources.

Arriyadh already has an operational regulatory system in place with many of the structures and instruments to manage development of the Wadi. Nevertheless,

14 Executive Summary

(19)

changes are required to ensure the management of this unique environment is effective. It is therefore suggested that a specific authority or agency be established by using and adapting these existing structures.

MEDSTAR has proposed the creation of five district municipalities and that the current Riyadh Municipality becomes the Greater Riyadh Council. The Council would hold responsibility for the control and delivery of the metropolitan environment and act as an arbitrator of district issues and development. Its strategic advisor would be the High Commission. The detailed management and implementation agencies will be the mandate of District Municipalities, which will be responsible to the Greater Riyadh Council.

Several options were considered as to where the responsibility for the new Wadi Hanifah Reserve may reside. These were based upon current responsibilities, the necessity to create autonomy and have a clear structure to effectively manage and monitor this large and sensitive area alongside the capital city of the country. They were based upon similar approaches taken to managing large environmentally sensitive areas elsewhere in the world, specifically in Europe and the United States. At the outset, it was considered appropriate for there to be an 'agency' with a specific mandate for the Wadi as opposed to placing the Wadi under the jurisdiction of an existing department.

However, 'growing' such an agency may initially require the use of existing departments.

The optional locations for placing this new agency were:

1. Within MOMRA - MOMRA was considered due to the 'rural' nature and national significance of Wadi Hanifah, but this was discounted due to potential conflicts of interest with regards its development mandate within these areas.

2. Within ADA as a special agency - a discrete agency under the High Commission working within ADA seemed a favourable option due to its neutrality and independence.

3. Within an existing department of ADA - this had similar benefits to the previous option but may be constrained by its subordinate position, and its relatively junior position compared to the high level agencies involved in the processes in the Wadi.

4. Within the Amanah - a separate department within the Amanah was considered, but was discounted due to possible conflicts of interest and the fact that the agency would have to fit within one of two departments within the Amanah - Service or Construction - and neither were appropriate.

5. An amalgamation of any or all of the above - the creation of a special independent agency, formed by all or part of the above members, was discounted essentially due to the High Commission option being similar yet easier to establish.

EXecutive Summary 15

(20)

Wadi Hanifah Comprehensive Developmenl Plan

6. The creation of an independent agency - this was discounted due to cost and a further required layer of reporting procedures.

7. The creation of a 'wadi municipality' - this was discounted because the Wadi may not benefit from a 'municipality' governance, which is better suited to an urban environment.

The Wadi is more suited to a 'park authority', placing the emphasis on environmental control.

A principal aim of the Wadi Hanifah Comprehensive Development Plan is to 'Implement the vision of Wadi Hanifah as a 'Living Wadi'; a sustainable oasis, clean, green safe and healthy offering opportunity for present and future generations. The complexity of Wadi Hanifah issues requires its well being to be placed at the highest level of trust. A long term solution for management is needed. Although all options were seen as possibilities, none were as appropriateas Options 2 and 3 for the Wadi Hanifah Reserve. The more appropriate in the long term would be Option 2, in which a special agency would be established in ADA. This option would seem the most logical, flexible and cost effective, without changing large ministries or municipality organizations. It would also ensure a strong organizational position through its direct relationship to the High Commission.

Despite the effectiveness of Option 2, it would not be easy to implement the option immediately. Therefore a transitional approach is considered through Option 3. As the issues become more complex and strongly interrelated with other authorities, agencies, and the development and restoration aspects extend to their full capacity, the formalisation of Option 2 as a discrete 'agency' would become reality. Adopting this gradual approach through Option 3, it would seem appropriate to establish a separate 'section' in the Department of Environmental Planning of ADA, which in the near future would evolve into the separate agency as indicated in Option 2. A three step approach to the establishment of the new Wadi Hanifah agency is therefore proposed - firstly, the delivery of a Wadi Hanifah Team within ADA using current resources; secondly with the formalisation of this team into a new section within ADA; and, thirdly, transforming this section into an independent agency within ADA.

The new agency would be called the Wadi Hanifah Reserve Directorate (WHRD). The structure of the WHRD would include an immediate 'start-up' team providing management, administration and monitoring. The team will include a core team reviewing policy development, operations, contract management and field services - rangers who could double as a 'policing' force to ensure no development and policy violations occur. The management team would be from ADA. Its mandate would include:

16

• Institutional Co-ordination

Although the Agency could be autonomous in terms of its role and responsibility it would benefit from the support structure of ADA. This in turn would be supported by the High Commission, which in turn has

Executive Summary

(21)

within it members from the planning and services Ministries and agencies as well as representatives from the private sector. Membership also currently includes the Mayor and two Deputy Mayors from the City of Arriyadh, the President of ADA and the Deputy Minister for Town Planning from MOMRA. A permanent secondment from the Mayor's office to the Agency would be recommended to strengthen the inter- agency relationships. This would reinforce the link to the Municipality and future Greater Arriyadh Council, and would also ensure a link to the future district municipalities. With this and the High Commission's relationship with MOMRA, inter-departmental and institutional relationships would benefit.

• Policy development

The Wadi with its multitude of issues requires special policies. These relate to the Wadi Restoration Project, the Wadi Hanifah Development Programme, water management, environmental aspects and development policies. Specific aspects such as options for water management and reuse, the untapped opportunities for special recreation and tourist developments, and the opportunity for improved agriculture will become focussed areas of concern for the agency. These and others will ensure that the redevelopment of Wadi Hanifah will not only be an environmental success but also an economic success. Policy development, monitoring and reviewing the implementation of the Wadi Hanifah Comprehensive Development Plan will be the main focus of the new agency.

• Land management

The Wadi Hanifah Reserve encompasses a very complex system of land ownerships and jurisdictions. These are not well documented or in some cases clearly defined on the ground. In addition much of the reserve under various ownerships contravenes basic environmental, urban planning and technical principles. Encroachments have occurred over the years into sensitive environments such as the Wadi Bed or flood zones. Enforcing changes in land development will not be an easy process, it will take time and effort to rationalize through the implementation and adherence to policies. The Directorate will be charged with this task enabling it to gradually build up a data base of ownerships, environmental offenders and 'illegal' developments and those that are contrary to the requirements of the Wadi Hanifah Comprehensive Development Plan, all to enable more effective management of the development of the Reserve.

• Regulatory Instruments

The WHRD would benefit from its initial locale in ADA and the close relationship with MOMRA and the Amanah. This would assist in the compliance with the Wadi Hanifah Comprehensive Development Plan, which would form the principal regulatory tool of the agency.

(22)

• Planning, Management and Monitoring

The Directorate will have the exclusive responsibility to plan, manage and monitor the development of Wadi Hanifah, and proactively promote it to both the public and private sectors. Its role in relation to the designated Wadi Hanifah Reserve will be to:

• Be responsible for planning, infrastructure and service delivery, through ADA and the High Commission.

• Liaise with the district municipalities with regards local government administration and implementation of local plans and policies.

• Liase with the Greater Arriyadh Council with regards strategic issues and the delivery of services and facilities.

• Co-ordinate between utility agencies with regards utilities in the Wadi area.

• Co-ordinate and/or approve all development in the Wadi area.

The Agency will be the statutory consultee on any development within the area on all matters.

• Co-ordinate the preparation and delivery of a development budget aligned to the development program for the Wadi and the maintenance of a long-term financial planning model for the provision of infrastructure and community services.

External agencies involved in the provision of infrastructure and community services would be consulted in the process.

Approval would be through the High Commission and the Amanah, as the Wadi Hanifah budget would be drawn partly from the city, with final approval by the Ministry for Finance for the provision of funds.

• Encourage appropriate development for the area and encourage partnerships with municipalities and the private sector.

• Review the Wadi Hanifah Comprehensive Development Plan at regular intervals within the strategic mandate of the Metropolitan Structure Plan

• Introduce new policies for the protection of the environment and the architectural and cultural heritage of the area in consultation with other agencies and departments of ADA.

• Enforce endorsed policy and monitor the Wadi environment daily to prevent 'illegal' activities.

The estimated annual cost of the Wadi Hanifah Reserve Directorate is SR21 ,500,000. This includes for estimated staff salary and office accommodation costs of SR6,500,000. It also includes for estimated annual cost of water monitoring, landscape maintenance, and bio-remediation maintenance costs totalling SR 15,000,000. It does not include for the costs of capital projects to implement the Wadi Hanifah Comprehensive Development Plan, or the costs of other agencies and the private sector.

18 Executive Summary

(23)

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ -'-'-Wa.di Hanifah Comprehensive Development Plan

B.O

RECOMMENDED ACTIONS

In order that the restoration of Wadi Hanifah as a sustainable environmental, cultural, recreational, tourism, agricultural, and water recycling resouce for Arriyadh can be carried through, it is recommended that the following actions are now taken:

1. The Wadi Restoration Project (described in 6.2 above) is carried out, at an estimated cost of SR51 Om.

2. The Wadi Hanifah Comprehensive Development Plan (described in 5.0 above) and the establishment of the Wadi Hanifah Reserve Directorate (described in 7.0 above) is adopted by the High Commission for Arriyadh, and is submitted to the Council of Ministers for approval and adoption by Royal Decree.

3. A Wadi Hanifah team is established within the Arriyadh Development Authority. This will be the first stage towards the creation of the Wadi Hanifah Reserve Directorate (described in 7.0 above), which will come into being with the adoption of the Wadi Hanifah Comprehensive Development Plan by Royal Decree.

(24)