A real estate investor sparked anger among residents of Al-Huwayya, north of Taif, because they feared dengue fever will spread in the area from his project, which serves as a breeding ground for mosquitoes. The investor established a residential project in a valley without complying to the municipality instructions that call for a drainage system away from the residential area. However, the projects gave rise to swamps everywhere in the area. A bad odor started spreading from the swamps, which are full of insects, especially the mosquitoes that carry and transmit the dengue virus. Abdullah Ali, a resident of Huwayya, questioned the municipality›s failure in controlling the situation and forcing the investor to adhere to the rules. He said the the water drainage is blocked near residential homes, creating a swamp full of garbage and insects. He said, "Dangerous diseases may spread because of this problem. These insects became a big problem in our homes. The municipality should move quickly and solve it." Residents said the value of land in this neighborhood began to decline because of the swamps and pollution in the area.
