Shoura seeks quick BIPP action on Jeddah floods

RIYADH: The Shoura Council has asked the Bureau of Investigation and Public Prosecution (BIPP) to follow up on cases involving those charged with negligence and corruption linked to the 2009 floods in Jeddah.

The floods killed more than 120 people and caused billions in damage to property. Among those facing charges are high-ranking officials from the city’s service departments, academics, engineers, businesspeople and foreign workers.
The Shoura also urged the BIPP to work with the Ministry of Economy and Planning to follow up on developmental projects, said Assistant House Speaker Yahya bin Abdullah Al-Samaan following the 30th ordinary session in Riyadh on Wednesday. This follows the Shoura members discussing a report presented by its committee on human rights and regulatory bodies, based on the annual report of the BIPP. The Shoura also asked the BIPP to ensure that a code of ethics is implemented for those holding public office.
Later, the Shoura members were briefed by its education and scientific research committee on a draft project for the education of those with special needs, which would include an agency set up for this purpose by the Education Ministry.
The plan is to streamline efforts and ensure there are institutions able to carry out the work, rather than individuals; and to upgrade programs and services for these citizens.
At the outset of the meeting, the Shoura approved the Kingdom’s agreement to the international convention for the transportation of passengers and their luggage by sea, which was drafted in Athens in 1974, and amended in 1976.