Potholes popping up, sewage spewing all over Jeddah roads
Waste water on the road causing traffic movement problems in Kandrah district on Thursday evening. (AN photo)
Published: Sep 6, 2010 00:18 Updated: Sep 6, 2010 00:18
Residents, visitors petition new mayor of the city to look into the problems
JEDDAH: One of the first and most important actions for new Jeddah Mayor Hani Abu Ras is to finally follow through on decades-old promises of constructing a sewage and drainage system in the city, citizens says.
They also seek his immediate attention on the growing number of potholes on the city roads, reminders of the lackluster finishing by contractors or caused by the regular seepage of waste water from septic tanks.
Though the residents of Jeddah are resigned to the fact that potholes are a part of their lives as the city is witnessing a construction boom, they would like the mayor to take swift action on the sewage that is causing needless hardship to the residents as well as visitors.
The lack of a proper waste water system, experts say, was to blame primarily for at least 124 deaths when heavy rains flooded parts of the city on Nov. 25 last year.
Citizens frequently complain of waste water bubbling up from septic tanks that have overflowed, flooding the streets in front of shops and in residential areas. This type of environment makes it impossible for people to walk down the streets and it also creates very unhealthy and unsanitary conditions.
This was the scene in the second block of Kandrah district on Thursday evening, which caused, slow driving and drew angry reactions from passersby.
“We are trying to make our way around the downtown area to see the sights during Ramadan and experience the historic places, but have been met with waste water at many places where we are trying to walk,” said a Filipino man who had come to the Kingdom for Umrah with his wife.
The couple said instead of walking about the city they are usually forced to take a taxi to various places, which is expensive but is safer than walking amongst filthy waste water.
They added that the mess is a negative drawback and gives a very bad impression of Jeddah and the Kingdom’s tourism sector.
“We know that Saudi Arabia is one of the richest countries in the world. The Kingdom annually hosts pilgrims for Umrah, Ramadan, and Haj and it is surprising that the country cannot afford to adequately implement a system to deal with waste water,” the couple said.
Another pedestrian in Kandrah district also said she and her neighbors are tired of dealing with flooded streets and the horrific smell of waste water in front of their homes.
“We are tired of this always happening,” Maram Kareem, a woman who was trying to cross the street from her apartment to go to a nearby shop. “We have been told for many years in several newspaper and television reports that millions of riyals have been allocated and contracts signed to construct the sewage and drainage system, but nothing ever happens and we are forced to live in these disgusting conditions,” she said, adding that this should be among the first problems the new Jeddah mayor addresses after taking office.
Public discussion following the recent floods in Jeddah, Riyadh, and other small cities concerning environmental issues has increased immensely in the Kingdom over the last year.
Statistics show that in particular Jeddah, now the second largest city in the Kingdom, has grown rapidly over the past twenty years from a population of 1.4 million in 1986 to 3.6 million today.
Fadil Fouad Basyyoni, president of Saudi ASMA Environmental Solutions (SAEC), reportedly agreed, “Sewage is the most important environmental issue in Jeddah. The pipe network is simply not there. The thinking over the past 25 years has been influenced by myths about septic tanks and the proximity of the city to the Red Sea,” he said.
An estimated eight to 10 percent of the city is currently connected to sewage pipes, leaving most of the houses using septic tanks. The use of septic tanks has become known as percolating pits without a concrete bottom. They have been scrutinized for allowing sewage to drain to the ground and are leading to soil and underground water contamination as well as a rise in the water table.
Comments
IBRAHIM.
Sep 6, 2010 22:33
Report abuseThe govt has been donating millions around the world but can they not fix this problem.
A question to ask?
THE INTELLECTUAL1000
Sep 6, 2010 23:58
Report abuseABULHAARITH
Sep 7, 2010 00:09
Report abuseMOHAMMED
Sep 7, 2010 00:30
Report abuseMOHTASHIM AHMED KHAN
Sep 7, 2010 00:34
Report abuseThere tanker are really a bad mark on jeddah road as they destroy the roads & disturbs the traffic.
But Alhmadolillah, there is no such situation in any other cities like Riyadh, Dammam,etc