JAZAN — Residents here are apprehensive of an environmental disaster as a result of a water recycling plant in Abu Areesh. However, the water department assures that the recycled water is good for drinking and will not result in any environmental pollution, according to Al-Madinah daily. The Presidency of Meteorology and Environmental Protection (PME) said the location with in a residential neighborhood was not suitable for the water plant. The Jazan governorate contacted a number of government bodies to relocate the station and work in the station was temporary halted. Ahmad Al-Khormi, a farm owner, said residents have complained to different government bodies about the construction of the water recycling station, but to no avail. Mohammad Al-Meshaikhi said his tribe lives only 500 meters away from the plant, and a number of residents in nearby villages are considering relocating to other areas. He questioned the insistence of the water department to construct the station in this residential area despite the harmful effects that may result. Spokesman for Jazan water department, Alaa Khard, said the plant will cost SR256 million and there are no environmental hazards expected. He pointed out that the recycled water could be used for irrigating trees in public parks and for industrial purposes. He added that the plant has been vandalized several times by unknown individuals who have burned equipment.
