The municipality said the violators linked their buildings’ main sewage pipes outlets to the rainwater and underground drainage channel, something which adversely affected the drainage systems’ performance and efficiency in several districts.

“These efforts follow Jeddah Mayor Hani Aburas’ directive to crack down on water pipes violations in the city, particularly those involving drainage pipes designated for channeling rainwater, flood water and underground water,” said Mohamed Qattan, the municipality’s water secretary.

Qattan said connecting a sewage outlet pipe to rainwater drainage is considered a serious violation of municipality rules and regulations.

Qattan added that his department found and removed recently more than 300 meters of illegally fitted pipes, including about 450 connecting pieces.

Violations were detected in multiple areas, including Al-Jawad roundabout, Prince Sultan Street, Aziziyah 2, King Khaled Street, Rawdah, Rabwah Street, King Fahd Street, Macarona Road, Hail Street and Prince Majed Road.

“All branch offices of the municipality were told to start investigating water infringements and penalize violators,” said Qattan.