Okaz/Saudi Gazette JEDDAH — Citizens of several districts complained about the retch of sewage water processing station in their neighborhoods. Hussain Al-Sahly said Al-Naseem, Al-Bughdadiyah and Al-Khumrah Districts are all suffering from the stench of sewage water processing stations. "The stench attracts insects and mosquitoes which bring about viruses and bacteria. Processing stations should be located far away from residential areas. These districts have expanded over the years and now processing stations are in the middle of residential areas," said Al-Sahly. He added there are also water trucks transporting sewage water throughout the neighborhood which spreads the stench throughout the entire neighborhood. Shadi Abdullah said the stench is extremely harmful to the people of the neighborhoods. "We have kids playing around the area and running around. They fall and scar themselves and such chemicals could enter inside their flesh and poison them. If relocating is a far-fetched idea then the authorities can enhance the performance of the stations to lessen their risk on the people," said Abdullah. Saeed Bawazir said the stations must be relocated to a place away from the residential areas. "Authorities should prioritize health and safety of the citizens and the people in general over everything. The current location of the stations is causing environmental hazards. I own an apartment building and many of the people who have rented my apartments decided to leave because of the smell. It is harming my business," said Bawazir. Salman Abdullah said the stench affects the health of adults and children. "The stench causes the people to contract respiratory diseases and coughs. The authorities must take a swift decision to improve the situation in these neighborhoods," said Abdullah. Jeddah City Council Head Abdullah Al-Junaidi said sewage water processing stations must be located in every residential neighborhood. "Some stations carry water over the capacity permitted which causes the stench to disseminate. Safety and health regulations should be strongly imposed on the stations. We have contacted the National Water Company and the company was very cooperative," said Al-Junaidi. He also said the city council will organize more inspection campaigns to ensure that the National Water Company is following the health and safety regulations in all neighborhoods.
