JAZAN — Many residents of Al-Raith in Jazan province are forced to drink unhealthy water collected from ponds due to non-implementation of a water pipeline project. Okaz/Saudi Gazette visited Lajab valley in Al-Raith and found a number of trucks collecting water from stagnant ponds for distribution among Al-Raith residents. Othman Adam, a truck driver, said he has been supplying water to people of Al-Raith for the last six years. "The water is used mainly for washing clothes, bathing and feeding cattle," he said. Al-Raith people have persistently complained about shortage of drinking water. "We are now depending on water collected from the valley for drinking and washing," one resident said, adding that drivers are charging SR400 for a truck load of water. "Drinking water shortage in Al-Raith has reached its peak threatening lives of people and cattle," said another resident, demanding quick action by the authorities to solve the problem. Residents urged the water company to quickly implement the water project for the villages of Jabal Al-Qaher. They said authorities were ignoring their cries for water. "We are now forced to depend on unhealthy water supplied by truck drivers," said Abdullah Al-Raithy, a Saudi. "We have been hearing about the drinking water project for several years. But until now our homes have not received water connection," he pointed out. He said the water collected from the valley is used for washing and feeding cattle while drinking water is taken from wells that are being threatened by drought. Ali Shami, another citizen, said: "Most people in villages are poor and are unable to pay for water trucks. On top of that, they now have to depend on water coming from the valley, which has become very expensive." Ala Khard, spokesman for Jazan Water Department, said his department is in the process of implementing the drinking water pipeline project. "We'll start it soon after obtaining license from the Road Department," he added. "Many residential districts of Al-Raith benefit from the department's well-water project. There is a drinking water project for villages of Jabal Al-Qaher, Shamiya and Wadiyain," Khard said, adding that studies are under way for water projects in other villages.
