The water crisis in Taif has worsened over the past few days leading to overcrowding at water distribution points and a nearly threefold increase in the price of water tankers on the black market. At one distribution center, nearly 200 people were in line to get water tankers and some claimed they had been waiting for three days simply to get a number to enter the queue. Outside, citizens complained that the price of black market tankers had gone up from SR75 to over SR200. Abdullah Sufiani, who was in line to get a water tanker, said water shortages affect old houses most because their water tanks are small and cannot handle the summer period when consumption increases. Sufiani added that the problem occurs every year when tourists flood the city and pleaded with the General Directorate of Water to come up with a permanent solution. “As far as I know, huge amounts of water extending from Al-Shaiba to Taif are being directly diverted to Jeddah and here I am waiting before the water distributer since this morning,” said Awad Muhammed Otaibi. Highschool student Ayed Al-Shihri said he had put his studies on hold in order to secure water for his family. “Our house always experiences a shortage of water around this time of year and I have to come here twice a week after I finish my exams and wait here from 10 A.M. to 5 P.M.,” said Al-Shihri. An official at the General Directorate of Water said all water distribution companies will be asked for their opinions on how to deal with the problem and confirmed that relief is on its way. “We are about to pump water from a strategic reservoir that has been built in accordance with well-studied plans by the Directorate,” said the official.
