Qassim governor launches $53m health, energy, municipal initiatives

Arab News

3 days ago

RIYADH: Prince Faisal bin Mishaal, the governor of Qassim, inaugurated health, municipal, energy and charitable projects in Al-Bukayriyah governorate, worth more than SR200 million ($53 milion).
He said these projects reflect the leadership's strong support for development programs and better services for citizens and residents, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.
Prince Faisal highlighted efforts to upgrade infrastructure, expand healthcare and social services, and enhance municipal initiatives to create a safe and vibrant urban environment. He thanked all government and civil entities involved.
Prince Faisal emphasized the importance of supporting high-quality tourism projects that contribute to rural development and offer diverse tourism options for residents and visitors to the region. (SPA)
The municipal projects, costing more than SR140 million, aim to improve infrastructure and the urban landscape and include, according to the mayor of Al-Bukayriyah, roads, streets, public squares, parks and pedestrian walkways.
Prince Faisal praised the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and local municipalities, stressing the need to continue delivering quality projects that serve citizens and support comprehensive development.
He inaugurated the second phase of a solar energy project at the governorate building, part of efforts to adopt renewable energy and improve efficiency in government facilities.
Prince Faisal reviewed projects to restore Al-Bukayriyah's old town and develop the Jabal Saq trail. The projects aim to revive the town's heritage character, create an attractive environment, and enhance the urban landscape.
The project is a step toward sustainability by reducing reliance on traditional energy and powering the facility with solar energy, the SPA reported.
Prince Faisal said the use of solar power cuts operating costs, lowers carbon emissions, and improves spending efficiency, and expressed the hope to expand such initiatives throughout the region.
The project is a step toward sustainability by reducing reliance on traditional energy and powering the facility with solar energy. (SPA)
He also launched several health projects, worth SR26 million, to strengthen the health sector and improve services. These include upgrades to Al-Bukayriyah General Hospital, an automated lab, improved inpatient, outpatient, and emergency services, the development of Al-Zahra Health Center, and replacement of the hospital's electrical systems.
Prince Faisal also visited Basma Rural Resort in Al-Bukayriyah governorate. He toured the resort's facilities and reviewed its tourism services and unique rural hospitality that reflect the region's natural landscape and agricultural heritage.
Prince Faisal emphasized the importance of supporting high-quality tourism projects that contribute to rural development and offer diverse tourism options for residents and visitors to the region.
He commended the private sector's efforts to invest in sustainable tourism activities aligned with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 to develop tourism as a vital economic sector.
Prince Faisal said that Al-Bukayriyah, like other governorates in the region, possesses promising tourism potential that should be optimally leveraged.
The Qassim governor expressed hope for more high-quality tourism projects that support the local economy and generate job opportunities for Saudi men and women.
Prince Faisal visited Maqsourat Al-Suwailem at the Al-Bukayriyah heritage site, where he was briefed on its historical and architectural significance.
He underlined the importance of preserving heritage sites as part of national identity and promoting heritage tourism. Such projects, he said, honor the legacy of ancestors and help introduce younger generations and visitors to the region's culture.
The governor praised the Al-Suwailem family for preserving and exhibiting the site, highlighting their role in fostering awareness of national heritage and supporting heritage tourism.
Prince Faisal also reviewed projects to restore Al-Bukayriyah's old town and develop the Jabal Saq trail, implemented by the municipality in cooperation with the Al-Bukayriyah Community Committee.
The projects aim to revive the town's heritage character, create an attractive environment, and enhance the urban landscape.
The Jabal Saq trail, at an elevation of 400m, is a tourist and recreational destination, offering walking, hiking, and scenic views to boost local tourism.
Prince Faisal highlighted the importance of such initiatives in preserving heritage and promoting tourism, praising the municipality and committee for their efforts aligned with Vision 2030 goals to develop tourist sites and improve quality of life.
Prince Faisal launched two major charitable initiatives worth about SR10.5 million: the Waqf Al-Walidayn by the Holy Qur'an Memorization Association; and the Investment Endowment by the Saei Association for Widows.
The Waqf Al-Walidayn supports the association's Qur'anic education programs and financial sustainability, while the widows' endowment funds Saei's initiatives to improve widows' living and social conditions.
He also sponsored an agreement between the People of Al-Bukayriyah Endowment Foundation and the Healthy Cities Program to support community initiatives that promote health and enhance quality of life.