Kuwait might witness massive fish kill in the next three months due to the increasing level of seawater pollution caused by the direct flow of drainage water into the sea due to the collapse of distillation units at the Mishref sewage plant last Tuesday, reports Al-Anba quoting environmental sources.
Disclosing that the level of pollution in three contaminated areas has increased to 200 percent more than the international standards, sources warned on the possibility of massive fish kill if the concerned authorities fail to take the necessary steps to address the problem in the next three months.
The Ministry of Public Works (MPW) has intensified efforts to fix the distillation units at the sewage plant. Sources added Minister of Health Dr Hilal Al-Sayer presided over the recently concluded meeting between the relevant government authorities and they discussed the issue in the presence of Minister of Public Works and State Minister for Municipality Affairs Dr Fadhel Safar.

Sources from MPW contended the bureaucratic procedures in government departments have greatly contributed to the lack of maintenance works on the distillation units. Sources affirmed the MPW officials had carried out their responsibilities, including the maintenance of the units, but it usually takes 120 days to complete such procedures, hence, the need to amend the system. Sources also expect the Council of Ministers to issue harsh decisions during its meeting next Monday, which was slated for deliberations on the Mishref sewage plant.
Deputy General Manager of Environment Public Authority (EPA) Ali Hyder asserted the country may witness an enormous marine environment disaster if the pumping of drainage water into the sea continues in the next two or three months.
On the other hand, MP Ali Al-Omair confirmed the level of ammonia in the contaminated areas has increased to 10 percent more than the permitted level internationally, while MP Eng Naji Al-Abdulhadi stated the Environment Affairs Committee will hold an emergency meeting on Sunday to discuss the issue.

Arabtimes