RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman Al-Fadhli told Al-Eqtisadiah that the Kingdom intends to expand the privatization of water production, treatment, transportation, and storage activities. He said this would help improve operational efficiency, attract additional investment, and enhance the sector's sustainability.
During the launch of the inaugural Saudi Water Week, held in Jeddah on June 28, Al-Fadhli said the National Water Strategy has made enhancing private sector participation one of its key priorities.
The minister said that the water sector in Saudi Arabia has succeeded in attracting foreign investments, while simultaneously achieving strong performance indicators that include reducing the consumption of non-renewable groundwater, increasing the production capacity of desalinated water, and raising strategic storage capacity.
Al-Fadhli also told journalists that Saudi Arabia has invested approximately SR220 billion ($58.4 billion) in developing infrastructure and improving the efficiency of the water system over the past 10 years, including more than SR60 billion in foreign investment.
Privatization boosts water-sector efficiency, investment appeal
