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  4. Transforming flood risks into resilience

Transforming flood risks into resilience

With people-centred engineering, the Jeddah Storm Water Program (JSWP) is more than an infrastructure initiative. It’s a transformative effort to protect lives, build resilience, and shape a more secure future for the people of Jeddah. 

Location

  • Saudi Arabia

Client

  • Jeddah Municipality

Project Status

  • Ongoing

Covering more than 30 square kilometres, JSWP is planned to serve over 4 million people. By the end of 2024, 39 projects under WSP’s supervision had been completed or in progress, covering 46% of the city with drainage infrastructure.  

This momentum will continue throughout the next few years with the launch of new projects extending protection to 75% of the city by 2028. Ultimately, JSWP will deliver 93 projects, covering 100% of Jeddah by 2033.  

The Program is a landmark in stormwater management not only for Saudi Arabia, but for the wider region. With a team of over 160 multidisciplinary specialists, WSP is proud to be delivering program management, and construction supervision services for this massive programme with the rigour, care, and speed that Jeddah deserves. 

Delivering resilience at scale

The magnitude of JSWP is truly exceptional. The program includes 10 stormwater pumping stations, with four already operational and six under construction. More than one million metres of stormwater pipes are being laid across the city, supported by over 7,500 manholes, 11,000 catch basins and road drains, and 12,500 metres of box culverts. In addition, 56 outfall structures, including sea outfalls, are strategically positioned across the catchment zones. Of these, 46 are already constructed, with the remaining under development. 

TOTAL AREA
30 km²
ONGOING PROJECTS
39
OUTFALL STRUCTURES
56
JSWP is a transformative journey for Jeddah. It is a perfect example of what’s possible when smart engineering and governmental commitment align.

Prioritising impact 

From the outset, JSWP has prioritized high-risk flood zones and areas with the greatest need. Larger diameter drainage lines and critical tunnels were delivered first to maximize early impact, helping thousands of residents stay safe during heavy rains. 

Placing people at the heart of JSWP, WSP not only prioritized areas of impact but also proactively engaged the communities in these areas, providing safety workshops for residents and clear communication channels to report unsafe conditions or emergencies. Additionally, WSP conducted regular site walks to assess disruptions and adapt work to local needs. 

This programme is one of the most challenging and rewarding projects we’ve delivered. Every pipe laid, every basin installed is a step toward a more resilient future.

Safety excellence  

Safety is foundational to everything we do. Daily and weekly inspections are carried out to proactively assess risks, including excavation support, fire hazards, confined spaces, and any potential obstructions. For every project, a unique risk register is maintained to monitor risks and recommend mitigation measures. Seasonal risks are accounted for, with contingency plans specifically designed for the rainy season, ensuring no part of the system is compromised by heavy rainfall. 

As a result of these efforts, the JSWP has been honoured with the British Safety Council’s International Safety Award for 2023 and 2024, a recognition of our exceptional approach to health and safety across the program. 

At the heart of this program are the people of Jeddah. Our goal is to ensure that communities are safer, more resilient, and better prepared for the future.

Doing Right by the Environment 


JSWP is not only about managing stormwater, but also about doing it so sustainably. To ensure stormwater released into the sea or ground meets environmental standards, Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) are conducted across all project areas. We also use environmental questionnaires and data tracking to ensure contractors remain compliant with environmental protocols. 

Meet the Visioneer's 

Dr. Farhad Jafari  


With over three decades of experience in infrastructure design and delivery, Dr. Jafari has successfully led large-scale infrastructure programs across Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and the US. His expertise in delivering complex, high-impact infrastructure solutions is central to the delivery of the Jeddah Storm Water Program. 

Glynne Pritchard  


With over 35 years of experience, Glynne brings extensive expertise in water and drainage systems. Since the inception of the Jeddah Stormwater Drainage Programme in 2010, he has played a pivotal role across its various phases. Now, in 2025, he leads the implementation of the downstream drainage network and pump system. His career encompasses a wide spectrum of flood mitigation initiatives, dam and tunnel design, river restoration, sewage treatment, stormwater management, and master planning. In recent years, he has transitioned into strategic leadership roles, guiding complex infrastructure projects with vision and precision.