JEDDAH: With some areas of Jeddah suffering huge water shortages, philanthropists in the low-income Kandara district of the city have purchased five seven-ton water tanks to supply water to residents.
With a deficiency in water, many Jeddah residents end up spending extortionate amounts to obtain water from delivery trucks. The problem is more acute for buildings that do not, for lengthy periods of time, receive municipal water, which is supplied through underground pipes.
“Desperation leads to novel ideas,” said one resident of Kandara. The four tanks of water are a source of comfort to many residents — particularly the old and poor who are unable to travel to the city’s water distribution centers and wait in long queues to buy over-priced water trucks, which in peak season can cost up to SR500.
In a show of solidarity, youths between the ages of 17 and 22 are helping residents to fill their containers from the tanks free of charge.
“These tanks are helpful to a lot of people. We get municipal water once a month. We used to be left in a conundrum when water supply stops. These water tanks give us comfort. There is a guarantee that I can at least fill containers for my basic needs at home,” said local resident Ibrahim, 40.
“In the past, we used to wait in long lines from morning till evening just to get one water truck,” said Saudi resident Suleiman Barnawi. “This generous initiative particularly helps the elderly and women who find it hard standing in long lines. It isn’t a solution but it is a welcome respite,” he added.
“What makes this project so unique is that youths in the neighborhood are helping out,” he said. “It all began with just two tanks and four volunteers,” said Muhammad Al-Amoudi, a Saudi resident who helps people fill water.
“Now, thank God, there are five water tanks and lots of volunteers. We fill containers and deliver them to people’s homes. We distribute more than 480 gallons a day,” he added.
One of the philanthropists behind the project, who asked his name not be published, said, “There are five water tanks located on the outer edges of the neighborhood. They satisfy the daily needs of more than 120 families for water.”
“There are 25 volunteers helping out. We’re only seeking reward from God and no financial profit,” he added.
The majority of Kandara residents are non-Saudis, including a huge number of overstayers. Due to its narrow alleyways, many of the buildings inside are inaccessible to water trucks.
