Overflowing drains provide a breeding ground for dangerous disease carrying insects in Jeddah. (Okaz photo)JEDDAH: Local medical sources in Jeddah have confirmed that there are more than 12 dengue fever cases being reported here every week, which shows infections are on the rise. Previous reports showed that cases had dropped to 10 and even eight a week. Prince Mish'al Bin Majed Bin Abdul Aziz, Governor of Jeddah, has directed the Jeddah Mayoralty, the General Administration for Agricultural Affairs and Directorate of Health Affairs to work together to eradicate the disease. The sources said dengue fever has been spreading in Jeddah due to environmental factors and urged health directorate officials to launch intensive awareness campaigns to enlighten the public about preventive measures. Reports show the central area in Jeddah has the highest number of cases because of swamps and stagnant pools which breed disease-bearing mosquitoes. The residents in the area have lodged complaints with the authorities about overflowing sewage and stagnant pools. Ahmad Hawas, a resident in the area, blamed the mayoralty and water administration for the proliferation of the viral disease. He said a radical solution is needed for the overflowing sewage and high underground water table. Hawas said previous plans had failed and urged officials to seek the help of international experts. Abed Al-Harbi, a resident, said most of the districts in Jeddah suffer from the same problem. “We have been hearing for years about the efforts of the committee formed by Jeddah's governor but nothing concrete has been done so far.” A source at the mayoralty said water and sanitation drainage is divided between the mayoralty and the local water company, according to the new local government organizational structure. He said the mayoralty is tasked with the sanitation drainage projects in east Jeddah and developmental projects under the direct supervision of Makkah Emirate, while the water company is responsible for some water and drainage projects including the eradication of stagnant pools and overflowing underground water.
