Abdullah & Hussein Al-Daleem Okaz/Saudi Gazette QATIF/AL-AHSA – More than 300 homes in the new districts of Qatif await electricity and water connections, said Abdul Mohsen Al-Jafer, owner of a house in Hajar as residents of the governorate urged the municipality and other government departments to improve their services. People living in Muhandiseen District, meanwhile, complained about lack of maintenance of street lights as many of them do not work. They also wanted the municipality to remove sands accumulated on main roads and fallen date palms. "There are more than 300 homes in Hajar that have not yet received water and electricity connections," Al-Jafer said while speaking to Okaz/Saudi Gazette. He urged the municipality to asphalt roads and streets in the area to speed up provision of water and electricity connections. "I approached the Saudi Electricity Company to get electricity connection to my house and they said they can provide connection only after asphalting of the road," he explained. There are five residential districts in Hajar, which lack essential public utilities. Ali Al-Moussa said the living condition at Hajar was bad due to lack of power supply, drinking water network and sewage systems. "We have constructed our homes in the new districts after receiving municipality's permission but it's very slow in providing essential services." Al-Moussa's new house in the district has been almost completed and he wanted to shift to the new house from the rented flat after receiving electricity connection. "The delay in getting power supply will increase my financial burden as I have to continue in the rented flat," he added. Mohammed Al-Ebad, director of water in Qatif, said his department is determined to provide sewage networks in all new districts. "We have given top priority to this project and we have set out a schedule to implement it in all districts," he told Okaz/Saudi Gazette. Al-Ebad said the department would start the project soon after receiving fund allocation from the Finance Ministry. Al-Ahsa Municipality, however, kept mum when informed about residents' complaints. People living in new residential districts of Hajar Al-Jesh wanted water, electricity, sewage system, asphalted roads, which are basic requirements to enhance their welfare and prosperity.
