New system creates water problem

Saudis and expatriates queued up for hours at the water distribution plant in Faisaliah here on Tuesday, raising fears that there will be a lack of water in Ramadan as temperatures soar to over 40 degrees Celsius.
The problems followed the introduction of a new system by the National Water Company (NWC) where customers visit the plant, get a ticket and wait for a return call from truck drivers to confirm their addresses and directions for delivery.
It appears many customers did not receive a return call or their water. Many truck drivers had problems finding the homes of customers. With no delivery of their water, customers then went to the water distribution plant to get their water, causing queues and confusion.
Abu Abdullah, a 52-year-old resident who was queuing for water, told Arab News: “I pray this water shortage won't become a problem throughout the holy month, because many of us live far from here.”
The new system was introduced last week at the water distribution plant in Faisaliah. As a result of the problems, many truck drivers stayed away from work and others delayed their shifts until the situation was sorted out.
One customer said: “I was here on Monday for water and was told to get a ticket. I was asked to give my cellphone number and to expect a tanker driver to call me for directions to my home. I didn’t receive a call. That’s why I'm here today to wait in line just like everyone else.”
Hamd, another customer, said: “This was clearly something the company did not think very hard about. The majority of the truck drivers struggle to understand directions to people's homes and locations.”
“I do not understand what compelled the water company to make their operation caller based, as opposed to the regular method of coming, getting a ticket and then leaving with a tanker.”
Khaled Badughaish, public relations officer at the NWC, told Arab News: “There were only a few discrepancies. Other water customers were able to get water tankers delivered to their homes.” He said the NWC has plans in place to ensure uninterrupted water supply from the plant.