Saudi Gazette report



JEDDAH — The National Water Company (NWC) said around 250 water tanker drivers have stopped work because their residency paperwork is still being processed, but the situation is under control, Al-Eqtisadiah newspaper reported on Sunday.



In addition, around 2,190 sewage disposal tanker drivers have also stopped work for fear of being deported.



Residents have complained of water shortages in many east Jeddah neighborhoods and they have to line up for long hours at water filling stations for a water tanker.



Abdullah Al-Metairi, a resident of the Al-Hamdanyah neighborhood, said the water filling station in Makaronah Street is usually not crowded this time of the year.



However, for at least a week long lines have been forming in the station, which clearly lacks enough drivers, he said.



Abdullah Al-Assaf, manager of the water unit at the NWC, said the company began rectifying the residency status of its drivers and workers when the grace period for illegal workers to correct their status was announced in April.



The company has transferred 1,250 drivers to its sponsorship and only 250 are still having their paperwork processed.



He added the situation would return to normal after these drivers’ documents are finalized. He said around 2,500 to 3,000 water tankers and 1,800 sewage disposal tankers frequent Jeddah’s streets every day.



He asked the public to contact the company's toll-free number 8004411110 to request a water tanker.



Residents do not have to wait in lines at filling stations and water will be delivered to their residence, he added.



The NWC has increased water distribution to neighborhoods that are experiencing shortages, such as those in Kilo 14, south Jeddah and a few north Jeddah areas.



Meanwhile, the shortage of sewage disposal tankers has increased prices from SR120 to SR1,500 for a tanker.



Mutan Al-Yaseen, an investor in sewage disposal tankers, said he tried to transfer the sponsorships of 2,190 drivers and workers to his company's name.



He claimed that the labor office refused and asked him to employ more Saudis, despite the fact that he is in the green Nitaqat zone.



He pointed out that Saudis refuse to work as drivers of sewage disposal tankers and that the Ministry of Labor should consider the particular situations of some industries in its regulations.



"I had 2,300 operating sewage disposal tankers before the correction period, but now only 110 of them are on the streets," he said.



He said he asked the Human Resources Fund for Saudi drivers, but they could not deliver even one.