JEDDAH, 17 May 2004 — As summer approaches, many Jeddah residents fear a return of the power and water shortages that affect the city every year, especially in south Jeddah neighborhoods. The situation is made worse by some water tankers who raise their prices to take advantage of the shortage.

Fathi Muhammad, a resident of Al-Jamma in the south of Jeddah said, “I hate summer because of the problems that come with it. Not only is the heat unbearable but we also experience water shortages and power cuts. I cannot understand why the authorities do not build another power plant if the old one is creating problems.

“Often the power outage lasts for more than four hours in the afternoon when the heat is at its worst. Imagine if you have children at home or an infant or a sick person. How can they stand the heat inside the house? I wish this problem could be solved once and for all.”

Ali Hassan, another resident in the area, said, “Electricity is a problem but I can deal with that. I am more worried about the water shortage because I live in a big house where we need plenty of water. If the supply is cut, I have to stand in a long line with hundreds of other people who have no water in their houses or I can go to the black market and pay double the price. The problem is made worse because no official is willing to do anything about it. We have been complaining for years and every year, we hear the same promises. Once the problem begins, we do not see the officials doing anything. I wonder when they will act.”

Abu Ahmad said, “Jeddah is an uncomfortable place in summer. I live in Al-Salama, where water shortages are common. When there is no water, I can either stand in long lines, which is difficult for me because of health problems, or I can resort to the black market.

“I usually pay SR80 for a water tanker but when there is a shortage, the drivers charge over SR200. If there were no water problems, there would not be a black market. If the facility is old, then why not build a new one? Are officials waiting for the plant to stop completely before they do anything? If so, we will have big problems then.

“The same thing goes for electricity. If I am late in paying my bill, the company cuts off my supply. But what if we have power cuts — is the company going to apologize to us and give everybody a discount.”

Last Saturday night, some parts of the city experienced a power outage that lasted all night. Residents of Rehab district said supply went off at 11.15 p.m. Saturday night and was not restored till 9 the following morning.