A fisherman waits for a bite beneath a bridge at Al-Hamra Corniche in Jeddah Thursday. The Presidency of Meteorology and Environment (PME) has blamed government authorities for “80 percent” of pollution at Jeddah's Corniche, citing a failure to impose standards for marine environment protection. “Sewage, factory waste, and food and drink garbage have all had an effect on the coast and its waters,” said PME spokesman Hussein Al-Qahtani Thursday. “Government departments give out licenses for projects that affect the sea without consulting specialist environment bodies.” Ahmad Ashour, formerly of PME's Environmental Affairs Department, was forthright in his candor: “Pollution around the coast has left it unsuitable for walking, swimming or fishing,” he said. (Okaz photo) __
