Aseer: For centuries in Aseer Region, ancient dams have been more than just water reservoirs for agricultural needs. They embodied a profound social tradition, reflecting the strong community cohesion and cooperation for the common welfare.
According to Saudi Press Agency, known locally as 'kazaim,' these dams were a primary method of irrigation, governed by strict social laws and timed schedules to ensure fair and timely water access for all farmers. Originally supplied by flowing freshwater springs, these dams used meticulously crafted channels referred to as 'daboul' in the local dialect, concealed beneath farmlands. These channels extended from water sources to distant fields, facilitating irrigation and rainwater drainage.
Constructed from stones and mud, these small water dams were strategically placed below springs or natural water outlets. Water flow to farms was controlled by opening a specific point referred to as "Al-Kharza." At a 'kazaim' site, farmer Abdulrahman Al-Shehri told a reporter of the Saudi Press Agency that the water sharing exemplified community solidarity, with early settlements clustering around these sources. He noted the strict adherence to the water allocation schedule as key to cooperation, making these dams a significant heritage that some farmers are keen to preserve.
Aseer Region features over 60 dams, including the King Fahd Dam on Wadi Bisha, holding 325 million cubic meters and standing 103 meters tall with a 507 meters crest. Its reservoir covers about 18 square kilometers. King Fahd Dam has four drainage tunnels with multiple gates and monitoring systems. Another key dam is the Abha Dam, west of Abha, with a 2.13 million cubic meter capacity, a 350 meters length, and a 30 meters height.