Eastern Province Municipality steps up visual pollution cleanup, compliance efforts

Eastern Province Mayor Fahad Al-Jubeir convened a meeting to assess urban enhancement initiatives and address visual pollution concerns. The Executive Committee for Visual Pollution Mitigation, comprising representatives from various sectors, municipal deputies, general managers, and municipal heads, deliberated on the progress made in improving the cityscape.

They reviewed the performance of contractors regarding temporary barriers, informational signs, and warning signs, as well as the effectiveness of inspections conducted via the Adasat Baladi platform.

The meeting underscored the importance of contractor compliance with regulations concerning temporary barriers and warning signs. Discussions also touched upon forging stronger partnerships with service agencies and implementing guidelines to regulate the movement of heavy transport trucks within urban areas, aiming to curb random parking and visual pollution.

Between May and August 2026, the municipality recorded 1,392 violations for truck parking in residential neighborhoods of western Dammam, while conducting 1,141 inspections of excavation permits during the same period.

The committee further examined the second phase of the Building Compliance Certificate initiative, initiated at the beginning of 2026. This program aims to bolster building and facility reliability, diminish visual pollution, and encourage property owners to comply with municipal rules and rectify any violations. Collaboration with the education sector to enhance compliance at government facilities was also on the agenda, alongside the establishment of a joint task force, regular meetings to tackle challenges, and daily monitoring of progress.

Additionally, the committee discussed a project to restore the utility of prayer spaces in public areas through mobile modular units. These adaptable structures would facilitate prayer in various public settings, including parks, waterfronts, pedestrian zones, event venues, and public squares.