Kuwait Times

Published Date: March 11, 2010

KUWAIT: The Minister of Public Works and Municipal Affairs, Dr Fadhel Safar has signed a contract to repair the Mishref sewage drainage plant. It was has been out of service since last August, after failing to control increasing levels of pollution. At least five million gallons of sewage water is dumped into the sea every day.

Officials explained that the new problem has resulted in the Cabinet's decision to stop using tankers to remove sewage water from Mishref to Ardhiya and Riqqa plants. This has forced the Ministry of Public Works to drain the water directly into the rain water drainage systems, reported Al-Rai.

This decision has developed into a diplomatic crisis since so many Arab and foreign diplomats living nearby the plant have expressed resentment at the strong odor and pollution that has been spreading around them," officials warned. The problem took place when tankers that remove sewage water was stopped for two weeks, without any sign of the possibility of resuming work. "The tankers used to remove at least half of the water that was pumped into the plant to be treated and reused," added the sources.


He also warned against the increasing level of marine pollution that is not being tackled despite various environmental activists making calls. "Swimming and fishing was banned in the waters extending from Al-Beda' roundabout down to Fintas beach, when only half of the sewage water was pumped into the sea. So far, nothing has been done especially with all the water dumped into the sea," officials highlighted.