JAZAN: A waste crisis has hit Jazan after workers refused to collect and dispose of rubbish due to delayed payments of their wages. The rubbish has continued piling since Eid Al-Fitr.

Jazan municipality has increased its efforts in seeking help from an alternative disposal company, however residents claim that the situation has resulted in the degradation of the waste which has attracted rodents and insects.

The Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs has been approached on the issue, as the upcoming rainy season poses the major risk of diseases and infections.

Mohammad Hazza Maghfouri, a resident of Al-Karbos town, claimed the stench of rubbish has resulted in respiratory problems among citizens.

Jazan Deputy Mayor Ibrahim Khayat stated that an international company was approached for cleaning the city. Another source in the municipality told local media that the municipality and the contracted company are responsible for the accumulating rubbish and the crisis will not be resolved unless the mayor intervenes and pays the company’s dues.

The source said that a number of officials from the municipality have visited employees refusing to work, promising to pay their wages.

Meanwhile the aid of another company has been sought to temporarily move the rubbish.