Water shortage in Jeddah

I would like to bring to the notice of the competent authorities the severe water shortage residents of Jeddah’s Al-Faisaliyah District are facing during the holy month of Ramadan. We do understand the problem of water shortage in the Kingdom but sometimes it has been noticed that the crisis is manmade or a result of poor management. However, we expect the authorities to rein in unscrupulous elements during Ramadan amid the heavy and sultry June and to prevent them from causing artificial shortages.
In the wake of the recent increase in water charges, which have been reportedly withdrawn after public hue and cry, landlords started billing tenants exorbitantly without any written justification or proof. Despite the increase in water charges, most areas in Al-Faisaliyah District are not receiving water through government connections and residents are forced to pay extra money for water tankers and it takes many days to arrange for these tankers. The relevant authorities should take notice of the situation and take necessary measures to ensure proper supply of water to this area. The officials should also look into the possibility of corruption in this regard. Many people claim that water shortage is created to help boost the tanker business.
I urge the National Water Company and other relevant departments to take immediate action to address the issue as the condition is becoming unbearable and it is putting an extra financial burden on area residents. In addition to that some mechanism should also be devised to prevent building owners or landlords from fleecing tenants on account on water charges. — K. M. Suleiman, Jeddah