A national campaign to improve the Kingdom's roads and address visual pollution

The Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing has launched a comprehensive national campaign aimed at addressing visual pollution and improving the efficiency of the road network in various cities and governorates across the Kingdom. This initiative is a strategic step within the ongoing efforts to achieve the objectives of the Quality of Life Program, one of the key programs of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to make Saudi cities more attractive, sustainable, and safe for their residents and visitors.

The campaign focuses on implementing a comprehensive package of fieldwork that directly addresses elements affecting the urban landscape and traffic safety. Municipalities and local authorities across all regions have begun intensive work, including repainting and clarifying road markings and pedestrian crossings, maintaining sidewalk guardrails, and repairing potholes and cracks in the asphalt that impede traffic flow and vehicle safety. Efforts also included improving the clarity of directional and regulatory signs to ensure they are easily readable by drivers.

Background of the initiative and its connection to Vision 2030

Urban improvement projects are no longer mere routine maintenance; they have become an integral part of a comprehensive national transformation strategy. Since the launch of Vision 2030, the Kingdom has prioritized urban development, recognizing that quality of life directly impacts the well-being of citizens and residents and plays a pivotal role in attracting global investment and talent. Initiatives to address visual pollution, launched several years ago, aim to remove all elements that detract from the city's appearance, such as graffiti, abandoned and damaged vehicles, construction debris, and haphazardly placed concrete barriers, with the goal of creating a visually pleasing and organized environment.

The importance of the campaign and its expected impact

Locally, this campaign is expected to have a tangible positive impact on residents' daily lives. More organized and visible streets mean fewer traffic accidents, an improved driving experience, and encouragement for walking and using public facilities. Removing visual pollution also contributes to fostering a sense of belonging and civic responsibility among individuals.

Regionally and internationally, these efforts contribute to solidifying the Kingdom's image as a modern and progressive nation that prioritizes the quality of life in its cities. An attractive and well-organized urban landscape is a key selling point for any city aspiring to be a tourist destination or a global economic hub. Therefore, these campaigns not only serve local objectives but also support the Kingdom's ambitions to enhance its standing on the international stage.

The citizen's role as a key partner in success

The ministry emphasized that the success of these initiatives depends largely on collaborative efforts between government sectors and the community. To achieve this, direct and effective communication channels have been activated, allowing citizens and residents to report any observations related to visual pollution or road quality. Reports can be easily submitted through the "Baladi" app or by calling the unified reporting number (940), making every individual an active partner in monitoring and addressing issues, thus expediting response times and ensuring the efficient achievement of desired goals.