RIYADH: Saudi Arabia"s Al-Baha region has launched 28 environmental and water projects at a cost of more than SR572.7 million ($152.50 million). Among them are seven projects to build dams and dig wells to secure drinking water, at a total cost of more than SR60 million, the Minister of Environment, Abdulrahman Al-Fadley, said, at an inauguration ceremony. The National Water Company has also implemented 15 projects to provide water services to beneficiaries in the region, at a cost of SR272 million, in addition to six projects to develop and expand sewage networks, with a value of SR238 million. These projects aim to meet the increasing demand for drinking water, sewage and other water services, Al-Fadley said. The Ministry of Environment is also currently working on the implementation of 21 water and sanitation projects, at a cost of more than SR798 million. There are also 13 projects for afforestation and protection of vegetation cover, and a further 188 projects planned with a value of SR6.6 billion.