The Saudi Water Authority announced on Sunday that it has activated emergency plans in response to the breakage of one of the main water transmission lines in the north of the capital, Riyadh, which led to a partial collapse of a road in the Al-Sahafa neighborhood, stressing that alternative water sources have been provided to ensure that residents in the affected neighborhoods are not affected.

According to the authority, the incident occurred as a result of the water line belonging to the National Water Company being affected by construction excavation work being carried out by a building contractor at a nearby site. The Riyadh Infrastructure Projects Center responded immediately to the incident, and field teams successfully contained the situation, secured the site, and isolated the affected assets, ensuring the continuity of services to customers without interruption.

General context and urban challenges

This incident comes amidst the rapid urban development Riyadh is experiencing as part of the Saudi Vision 2030 goals. The capital is transforming into a massive construction site encompassing colossal infrastructure projects and modern buildings, placing significant strain on existing service networks such as water, sewage, and electricity. Damage to pipelines during excavation and construction work is among the most prominent challenges facing rapidly growing cities, necessitating the highest levels of coordination between service providers and contractors to ensure the safety of vital infrastructure.

The importance of the incident and its expected impact

Locally, the immediate impact is the temporary inconvenience to residents of the affected neighborhoods and the potential for traffic congestion around the collapse site in the Al-Sahafa district. However, the incident's greater significance lies in the fact that it represents a true test of the emergency plans and crisis management capabilities of the relevant authorities. The speed of response and activation of alternative water supply plans reflects the readiness of the Kingdom's water sector to deal with such emergencies, which is vital to ensuring the stability of services in a city the size of Riyadh.

Regionally, this incident provides an important case study for other cities in the region experiencing similar growth spurts, highlighting the need for strict oversight of construction work near main utility lines. It also underscores the importance of investing in resilient and robust infrastructure with clear protocols for rapid response. The Saudi Water Authority is closely monitoring the ongoing fieldwork and working directly with the National Water Company and other relevant entities to expedite repairs and restore normalcy as quickly as possible, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring the sustainability and reliability of water services for citizens and residents.

The Council of Senior Scholars in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia held its 98th session today (Sunday) at the headquarters of the General Presidency for Scholarly Research and Ifta in Riyadh. This meeting is of particular importance as it is the first to be chaired by the Kingdom's new Grand Mufti, Sheikh Dr. Saleh bin Fawzan Al-Fawzan, with all members of the Council and its Secretary-General in attendance.

In his opening remarks, Grand Mufti Al-Fawzan praised the significant support the Commission receives from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Prime Minister. He emphasized that this support is the cornerstone enabling the Commission to fulfill its duties in thoroughly examining the issues and developments referred to it and issuing appropriate Sharia rulings that serve both religion and the nation.

Historical context and the role of the Council of Senior Scholars

The Council of Senior Scholars was established in 1971 by royal decree of King Faisal bin Abdulaziz and is the highest official religious body in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Composed of the country's most senior jurists and scholars, its primary function is to provide religious rulings on public matters referred to it by the ruler, as well as to conduct research and offer counsel on religious affairs. This gives its decisions a profound impact on legislation and public policy in the Kingdom.

Sheikh Al-Fawzan highlighted the blessings bestowed upon the Kingdom by God, foremost among them the blessings of security, stability, and prosperity. He emphasized that these were achieved first and foremost through God's grace, and then through adherence to the Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet, and the implementation of Islamic law. He also stressed the blessings God has granted the country in terms of national unity and solidarity behind its leaders, which serves as a safeguard for the stability and strength of the state. He commended the Kingdom's historic role, both its leadership and its people, in serving the Two Holy Mosques and the holy sites, and in providing all necessary facilities for pilgrims to perform their rituals with ease and tranquility.

The importance of the meeting and its expected impact

This meeting is of particular importance as it is the first under the leadership of the new Grand Mufti, thus placing the future direction of the body under close scrutiny. The topics on the agenda, submitted by sovereign entities such as the Royal Court and the Ministry of Interior, indicate that the session's outcomes will have a direct impact on important societal, security, and organizational issues. Regionally and internationally, the Islamic world is closely monitoring the body's decisions, given the Kingdom's religious standing and its leadership of the Muslim world.

In concluding his remarks, Grand Mufti Al-Fawzan did not forget his predecessor, praying that God Almighty would have mercy on the late Grand Mufti, His Eminence Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al Sheikh, and reward him abundantly for his service to Islam and Muslims. For his part, the Secretary-General of the Council of Senior Scholars, Sheikh Dr. Fahd Al-Majed, explained that the session's agenda included important topics requiring in-depth legal study. He noted that the General Secretariat had prepared for the session through specialized advisory committees, rigorous research, and expert consultations to ensure that the issues were studied from all angles before being presented to the Council members.