Qatif district drowns in sewage

Saudi Gazette report QATIF — The sewage problem in a Qatif district has reached an unprecedented level due to negligence in maintenance and a lack of response to complaints by residents. Saud Al-Hashim, one of the residents, complained of the low level of environmental and health protection in this neighborhood as a result of the accumulated and exposed sewage. “The problem is not in one location only, but the entire neighborhood is suffering. Tankers refuse to remove the dirty water. There is a foul smell as a result and it makes the area an attractive breeding ground for insects and bugs,” he said. Saed Al-Mansour was devastated that he bought a house in the area only seven years ago. “I wish I knew about this before proceeding with buying a property here. I can’t undo the damage especially now that no one is addressing the problem,” he said. Jafar Al-Ahmad said several letters of complaints were sent to the Water Directorate to speed up the process of establishing a sewage infrastructure. “We only hear promises in response and no actual work is being done. When will this problem be resolved?” asked Al-Ahmad. Official spokesman for the Water Directorate Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Dosari said the first phase of the sewage project has been finally set and going according to plans.