ABHA: Prince Faisal Bin Khaled, Emir of Asir, has denied there is a water crisis in Asir and blamed water truck distributors for “concocting” the suggestion for personal gain. “Some water tanker truck drivers are trying to spark a water crisis,” Prince Faisal said at a press conference for the Asir 2011 Summer Festival. “They are tampering with prices and exploiting the public.” The Prince said he would show “no leniency” to anyone who tries to fix prices and take advantage of visitors who are expected to arrive in the region in their thousands during the holiday period. “Anyone who attempts to spread rumors of a water crisis will be firmly dealt with,” he said. “They try to do this at the beginning of every summer in their quest for profits at other people's expense.” A source at the Water Board in Asir confirmed Prince Faisal's statement saying that “supply is outstripping demand significantly”. “Anyone who charges prices higher than the Water Board's fixed rate is fined SR3,000,” the source said. “That figure is doubled should the offense be repeated and a third instance results in the withdrawal of the offender's license to operate.” The Ministry of Water and Electricity has previously ordered the Abha desalination plant to supply water 24 hours a day during the summer vacations.
