Multi-Phase Flooding Plan for Southern Governorate

Seven large projects are currently in progress, including new drainage systems for Road 3922 in Hajiyat and near the Montana Car Showroom in West Riffa. These works are due to finish by 30 June 2025.
 
Meanwhile, a fleet of 100 tankers is on standby for the rainy season, though the exact number for the Southern Governorate is yet to be confirmed.

This caused some irritation at meeting on Wednesday with the Southern Municipal Council, where councillors raised concerns over the lack of clear details and questioned whether short-term measures would be enough to handle heavy rainfall.

Some also expressed disappointment that earlier promises from the Ministry had not yet been fulfilled, suggesting the formation of an emergency team with Ministry staff, local representatives, and council members.

Abdul Nabi Al Koufi, from the Sanitary Engineering Operation & Maintenance Directorate, said that efforts are focused on the most flood-prone areas, including Shaikh Salman Highway near Danube, the Isa Town Tunnel, Baghdad Avenue at Isa Town’s entrance, and 16th December Highway near the General Directorate of Traffic.

Al Koufi also urged residents not to open rainwater drainage covers, as this could cause problems in the system, and stressed the importance of keeping rainwater and sewage networks separate.
 
In addition to these drainage efforts, the Ministry is also cleaning both sanitary and rainwater systems using high-pressure jetting machines.

This clean-up, which began on 1 April 2023, will run until 30 March 2025 and is being tracked through the Tawasul programme.

Maintenance of sanitary stations, including electrical and mechanical repairs as well as cleaning of pumping station tanks, will begin on 3 March 2024 and continue until 31 December 2025, with six contractors appointed for the task.

An emergency plan is also set from 9 March 2024 to 8 March 2026, with four contractors using suction machines to manage rainwater tanks during heavy downpours.