Sustainable Trends at Riyadh City - Case Study Example

Sustainability of Riyadh city Student’s Name: Instructor’s Name: Course Code: Date of Submission: Introduction The modern urbanization is rapidly creating an urban sprawl where cities have become a more attractive and appealing place for residing. The urban growth leads to negative environmental, economical and social impacts if the sustainability concept is not adopted. Cities need to be developed in a responsible manner, aiming to avoid harmful and hazardous urban sprawl. Sprawl contained within the desert areas is a substantial issue, this is caused by their lack of resources available, and the artificial environment they require. In desert cities, planning policies and public mindsets should be adjusted and changed to be more compatible within the local environment. This paper presents the settlement pattern of one of the biggest desert city named: Riyadh, and located in Saudi Arabia in terms of planning polices and water management. The main aim of this paper is to assess the sustainability concepts within the Riyadh City, and to review the principle of urban ecology, in order to understand the relationship between the City and the natural process and/or environment. Finally this paper analysis approaches used in the Riyadh City. Sustainability Sustainability can be defined as the development that meets current needs with no compromise to the future generation’s capability to meet their own requirements according to Tony & John (2010, p. 3438). It can be further be defined as maintenance of well-being for a long period and possibly for an indefinite period (p. 3414). The article by Tony and John (2010, p. 3442) further continues to define sustainability as the state of affairs whereby the summation of resources both man-made and natural ones remains stable for the sake of foreseeable future so as to avoid the decrease of future generation’s well-being. In this context therefore, current sustainability of Riyadh City is of paramount importance to ensure future challenges are dealt with effectively and as early as possible to avoid future challenges especially due to increasing population. Riyadh city background Riyadh City is the capital city of Saudi Arabia. Riyadh city was made capital city by King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Suad (Abderrahman 2006, p. 278). The city is located in the middle area of the Arabian Peninsula. It is a city that has rapidly been transformed in terms of population increase, area, and other development aspects (Abderrahman 2006, p. 2). For example, in 1970, the city had a population of 400,000 people with an area of less than 100km2. In 2004, the city has expanded to an area of 1600km2 with a population of 4.26million people. This is an increase of 300percent with a population growth rate of 3.1-3.6percent. This is expected to increase by 2020 to more than 10million people (Abderrahman 2006, p. 2). This will be a great challenge to the sustainability of the Riyadh city presently and as well as in the future. This is due to increased pressure on the city’s infrastructure including domestic water, supply sanitary and sewerage systems, housing and unsustainable neighborhoods among other aspects. Abderrahman (2006, p. 279) Part 2 Riyadh Problems and Challenges The Riyadh city some major problems due to increased population growth and poor implementation of sustainable development plan. The city faces environmental, economic and social problems. The most notable ones and which the report will analyze include unsustainable domestic water supply, lack of sustainable housing, increased water due to pipe leakages, and unsustainable neighborhoods. i. Unsustainable domestic water supply Before analyzing the facts related to water and sanitation problems in Riyadh city, it is worth to note problems leading to this. Such include rapid growth of population in the city, increased cost of water and sanitation services, increased average water consumption, and disjointed responsibilities among agencies dealing with water issues among others 2020 (Abderrahman 2006, p. 284). In Saudi Arabia presently, the national water demands for industrial, agriculture as well as domestic uses is at 21,274million m3 per year. There has been a rapid increase in demands of both national domestic and industrial water as they have significantly grown from 220million m3 in 1970 to 2030million m3 in 2000 and further to 2200million m3. There is a projection of this demand reaching as much as 6450million m3 by 2020 (Abderrahman 2006, p. 280). The industrial and domestic water demands have increased from 50million m3/year in 1970 to 579m m3/year in 2004 with domestic water use taking a higher percentage of approximately 85%. This rapid increase in water demands of Riyadh city for the last 35years has become a great challenge to the local Water directory forcing them to build extensive water supply networks within a limited time frame. Furthermore, the available aquifers within Riyadh city are not meeting the expected water demands. Moreover, these water sources have high levels of salinity which is not safe, especially for drinking water 2020 (Abderrahman 2006, p. 283). Due to low domestic water tariff, there has been an inadequate generation of expected revenues from water. In fact, the total revenues are less than 2.5percent of annual expenditures. It is worth to note that despite increased population in the city to over 4.2million by 2004, the water supplies level of 415m m3/year that was same in 1992 has not yet been exceeded (Abderrahman 2006, p. 283). This can mainly be attributed to inadequate financial resources. However, to solve the water and sanitation problems of 10million people by 2022, the Riyadh city requires about US$29billion with 45percent of these cost catering for domestic water production and distribution. ii. Waste water and sewerage problems Another related water and sanitation challenge as a result of increased growth of commercial and residential areas is lack of proper sanitation services. This is due to uniqueness, expensive, and complexity needed on collection networks and related treatment facilities. It is important to note that the sewerage system covers only 35percent of city benefiting only 56percent of the city. There has also been water pollution as a result of the leakages of pipes distributing water. The ground water has been polluted as a result of leakages from septic tanks and leakages from petrol stations where the polluting substances diffuse into the underground water. iii. Traffic challenges There has been increased traffic accidents according to official stats in Riyadh city. In the last 4years, there are approximately 15deaths per 100,000 people on the spot of accident per year without taking into consideration those who die in the hospital. The statistics further show that over 400 fatalities and 3000 injuries takes place in Riyadh city annually due to traffic accidents (Ali 2003, p. 1). This can mainly be attributed to non-compliance of drivers especially at intersections. It is worth to note that urban intersections are the major problem in most areas in Riyadh. However, excess speeding, failure to observe traffic rules, following too closely, driving the wrong way, and disregarding the red light. iv. Sustainable housing challenges The rapid increased urbanization in Riyadh has led to great urban challenges and continued constraints on the available housing which is not increasing at the same rate as population. The increased rate of urbanization has led to witnessed negative afflictions on the city. Lack of proper building codes has led to the building of high-rise buildings near low-rise private houses. Subsequently, this has resulted in breach of privacy which is further emphasized in the region by culture and religion (Susilawati & Al-Surf, 2011, p. 4). Due to ad hoc distribution of residential areas in the city, there has been a potentially dangerous mixture of foreigners in the labor forces residing in or near formerly selected family residential places leading to a serious threat to security issues (Susilawati & Al-Surf, 2011, p. 5). Due to the rapid growth of the city, it was difficult for the inhabitants of Riyadh city to socialize with one another or know their neighbors well due to the rapid increase in population. It was difficult for people to know their neighbors at all. Therefore, development and sustaining a sustainable neighbourhood was not possible. Oil and uncontrolled urban growth After the discovery of oil which was enough for commercial purposes, cities experienced extraordinary urbanization. In 1970’s, there was an oil boom in Saudi Arabia which led to an explosion in terms of population of Riyadh city. This led to a rapid increase in city population from 370,000 in 1970 to 1million in 1980 and more than 2million people by 1990’s (Choguill 2008, p. 46). Despite creating an incursion of capital in Riyadh, rate of development of housing and related infrastructure was low leading to high strain on facilities, this escalated further due to the inexperienced municipal staff. This is because organization of employment, infrastructure, housing, education, and medical care was not easy with such rapid increased population. Nevertheless, the wealth from the oil has allowed the government to get on spirited national and urban planning developments (Faisal 2004, p. 577). Consumer culture threat resources Oil boom did not only led to a population explosion in the city, but it also led to increased people behavior and expectations leading to consumption of all available resources. This poses a great danger to the available resources as it might lead to crisis due to shortage as demand is higher than supply. Part 3 i. Steps to sustainability and Riyadh city comprehensive strategic plan (RDA) Towards Riyadh city sustainability, various master plans, policies and strategies have been developed and initiated in an effort to reduce the problems due to rising population. In an effort to curb water problems and shortages, various water management approaches have been established in Riyadh. In 2001, ministry of water and electricity was established. This is despite earlier involvement of various governmental agencies to curb those problems. Such include the Saline Water Conversion Corporation with the role of desalination water production as well as transportation from the Jubail desalination plant. Riyadh water authority was another agency accountable for the production of ground water, desalination and transportation to Riyadh. Another agency is Riyadh water Authority (ArRiyadh water and wastewater Authority) which is accountable of network distribution networks and city’s sanitation facilities. Finally, there is the High commission for the Development of ArRiyadh, this has a role of developing policies and procedures with the aim to raise services and facilities efficiency in relation to improved living standards (Abderrahman 2006, p. 285). These agencies ensure proper water supply management, putting in place water conservation measures like creating awareness campaigns like TV, radios and in newspapers among other media. Accomplishment of water leakage assessment and control programmes in the city, accomplishment of programmes for capacity building to the local engineers and technicians with water and other waste water services. The agencies also control the problem of the shallow water table rise. It is a comprehensive study undertaken by the High Commission for Riyadh development that causes and problems of shallow water table rise were assessed and suitable solutions proposed in 1980s (Abderrahman 2006, p. 286). Generally, these measures were successful in ensuring secure supplies of water from underground aquifers together with extra desalination water transportation from the Gulf coast. This production, treatment, and transportation of water as well as sanitation services through the utilization of feasible technology has played a key role towards sustainability of Riyadh city. Nevertheless, more measures need to be put in place to curb the rising demand from increasing population. Furthermore, there has been an adoption of integrated water resources management (IWRM) which is a key tool towards accomplishment of sustainable water resources and development of Riyadh city. More aggressive water management programme has been started including leakage detection and control programme to reduce water losses among other aspects (Abderrahman 2006, p. 286). Ministry of agriculture and water (MAW) has put efforts in place to ensure ground water is treated before use. MAW has also set draft standards as well as issued regulations as a measure to protect public health and make sure reuse and discharge of effluent is well managed. There is also the need to review the current intersection geometry together with devices for controlling traffic being installed at various positions. Furthermore, there is a need to increase public education campaigns as well as law enforcement strategies. This is towards reducing the number of accidents occurring within the city (Ali 2003, p. 717). In an effort to curb the rising challenges of housing, site design and layout is one of the key feature when it comes to notion of sustainability. Some of the sustainable methods of building comprise of fully utilization of site design, natural light and ventilation, solar design and ventilation. There is also the need to educate the public through increased awareness by use of media to ensure people know the benefits of sustainable achievement of new as well as current housing stock (Susilawati & Al-Surf 2011, p. 1). Government and local engineering bodies should collaborate to legislate the sustainability concept. ii. Wadi Hanifah rehabilitation program Wadi Hanifah is the most significant natural landmark situated in the center of the Najd Plateau of Saudi Arabia. Various actions have been undertaken to rehabilitate the Wadi mainly due to ground water rise, quarrying, and dumpings. Wadi Hanifah comprehensive development plan (WHCDP) was developed by Canadian Landscape Architect Partners Moriyama & Teshima and British consultant, Buro Happold after its commission in 2001 by the Riyadh Development Authority (High Commision for the Development of Arriyadh, 2011). The plan includes a 10year program that aims at restoring and developing Wadi Hanifah to restore its beauty and harness its water as a tourism, recreational and environmental resource. In the implementation of the Master Plan, the construction work has been divided into 2programs which include The Wadi Hanifah Restoration Project and Wadi Hanifah Development Program. The Wadi Hanifah Restoration Project are he works for flood performance and water quality restoration as well as complete Wadi Bed restoration. The Wadi Hanifah Development program involves working on public infrastructure and public landscape. The development plan aims at developing fully the envinronmental, cultural, recreational and water resources of Wadi Hanifah (High Commision for the Development of Arriyadh, 2011). iii. Water management concept Water challenges have continued to hit Riyadh city especially during summer months, when there is a breakdown of main water transport pipeline, problem of the shallow water table rise, large quantities of waste water gets lost after failure to treat and reuse it and pollution of groundwater due to waste water from septic tanks seepage and leaks. However, various agencies have been set up as stated earlier as an effort to manage water problems. Some of the efforts that the agencies have put in place include water supply management, water conservation measures, controlling the problem of the shallow water table rise, and implementation of water leakage assessment and control programmes and increased water conservation measures like creating awareness (Abderrahman 2006, p. 285). Increased focus on centralized water agency for city on tools of supply, conservation tools and management of demand through the utilization of integrated approaches has led to considerable enhancement in water services. Nevertheless, huge financial resources are the key elements towards timely and successful accomplishments of water strategies at Riyadh city. Desalination of brackish underground and sea water is also a strategic management alternative towards effective water management in Riyadh city. Part 4 i. Evaluation and recommendation Water consumption measures have played a key role in ensuring there are reduced wastage of water as well as satisfaction. The policies and strategies that have been put in place in Riyadh city have successfully ensured excellent management of water and related wastages despite being enough for the increased population. However, continued sustainability measures are likely to ensure future satisfaction. It is important for the government to apply sustainable codes on constructions at present and in future while offering inducement to those who wish to retrofit their house. More seminars and workshops for engineers, designers, and other building sector shareholders should be undertaken to ensure they are educated in the ways to attain sustainability and why it is vital (Susilawati & Al-Surf 2011, p. 10). ii. Evaluate public awareness There has been quite impressive awareness on the TVs and radios as well as other media on the need to manage water and reduce the wastage as a way of curbing the loss in Riyadh city. There is a need for a public awareness campaign regarding the use of crosswalks as well as the risks of crossing on the unmarked areas. Conclusion Riyadh is the city rich in oil but has been experiencing challenging it its sustainability until the past few years. The city is facing challenges of inadequate housing, inadequate water supply, insufficient Agriculture, poor quality education system, environmental pollution and poor quality of social amenities. These challenges came as a result of increasing population in the City because people the life expectancy of the people of Saudi Arabia increased and also people were moving into rural areas to urban areas to search for employment opportunities due to the discovery of oil in the city. Oil discovery led to a rapid increase of population in the city, hence it has become unsustainable. Nevertheless, various strategies and measures have been put in place and continue to be re-evaluated to ensure proper management of water, reduced wastage, increased treatment of salinity water, and effective management of wastewater. References Abderrahman, W 2006, Water Management in ArRiyadh, International Journal Of Water Resources Development, vol. 22, no. 2, p. 277-289. Abdulelah, A 2011, Preserving the Green: a challenge to A Desert City, Saudi Arabia, College of Architecture & Planning, King Saud University. Ali, S 2003, Analysis of traffic accidents at urban intersections in Riyadh, Accident Analysis and Prevention, vol. 35, p. 717-724. Choguill, C 2008, Developing sustainable neighborhoods, Habitat International, Vol. 32, No. 1, p. 41–48. Faisal, A 2004, Urban growth boundary policy and residential suburnization: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Habitat International, vol. 28, p. 567-591. High Commision for the Development of Arriyadh 2011, Wadi Hanifah Rehabilitation Program, viewed 12th May 2013 from http://www.arriyadh.com/Eng/ADA/Left/PlanProj/getdocument.aspx?f=/openshare/Eng/ADA/Left/PlanProj/Wadi-Hanifah-Area-Development1.doc_cvt.htm Mubarak, F2004, ' Urban growth boundary policy and residential suburbanization: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia', Habitat Internationa Tom, K & John, F 2010, Sustainability, journal review on sustainability, vol. 2, p. 3436-3448. Susilawati, C & Al-Surf, M 2011, Challenges facing Sustainable Housing In Saudi Arabia: A current study showing the level of public awareness, Paper presented at the 17th Pacific Rim Real Estate Society Conference, Gold Coast, Australia. Read More