Ministry of Municipalities campaign to address visual pollution and improve road efficiency
The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continues to implement its ambitious strategy to improve the urban landscape across the Kingdom's cities and governorates. This is being achieved through a comprehensive package of field initiatives directly aimed at addressing visual pollution and enhancing traffic safety. These efforts are an integral part of ongoing initiatives to improve quality of life and build sustainable, safe, and more organized urban environments for both residents and visitors.
Details of field work and improvements
Current field campaigns focus on addressing elements that directly affect the overall appearance and behavior of road users. Municipalities and local authorities have undertaken extensive work, including repainting curb guardrails, renewing road markings to ensure clear lanes, and repairing potholes and damaged asphalt. Efforts also include redesigning and adjusting speed bumps according to approved engineering standards, rehabilitating dilapidated sidewalks, and replacing or maintaining concrete barriers to reduce visual pollution and improve traffic flow.
Context of Vision 2030 and the Quality of Life Program
These efforts cannot be viewed in isolation from the broader national context of Vision 2030, specifically the Quality of Life Program. Improving the urban landscape is a key pillar aimed at elevating Saudi cities to be among the world's best places to live. Through the concept of "humanizing cities," the Ministry is working to transform roads from mere thoroughfares for vehicles into integrated urban spaces that serve people, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of cities and reflecting the Kingdom's evolving urban identity.
Expected impact: economic and social dimensions
Eliminating visual pollution and improving road efficiency has multifaceted positive impacts. Locally, it contributes to enhancing residents' well-being, promoting a culture of walking, and reducing traffic accidents caused by poor road conditions. Regionally and internationally, improving infrastructure and the overall appearance of cities is crucial for attracting investment and tourism. A well-organized urban environment reflects the development of government services and the efficiency of local management, thus enhancing the competitiveness of Saudi cities in global rankings.
Community participation and oversight
Believing that the urban landscape is a shared responsibility, the Ministry has strengthened its communication channels with the public, enabling immediate reporting of observations and visual pollution through the "Baladi" application and the unified reporting number (940). This step aims to empower community members to be active partners in monitoring and improving services, thereby accelerating the pace of processing and increasing the efficiency of response to reports, ultimately leading to cities free of visual pollution.
