In an effort to shift themselves away from responsibility in regard to the Mishref sewage plant disaster, the United Gulf Construction Company (UGCC), the main contractor for the project, recently issued a report detailing the reasons that led to the incident taking place. The company has placed full responsibility for the recent incident that occurred on the Ministry of Public Works.

The report includes details that indicated the company had made plans to deal with such a crisis seven years ago. In addition, the company notified the ministry about those matters, which included alternative plans to deal with sewage waters and eliminate foul odors.

These new developments have further spurred MP attacks against officials of the ministry, including the minister himself, Dr. Fadhel Safar, who is now facing a number of grilling requests.

In their report that was sent to the Ministry of Public Works on August 24, 2002, the UGCC explained obstacles that persisted in the way of establishing a new sewage plant in Mishref. They elaborated by saying that they noticed during preliminary preparations for the plant's construction that many disadvantages and obstacles stood in their way, such as the fact that the area contained groundwater contaminated with a high percentage of hydrogen sulfide in addition to the construction site being close to res
idential areas, thus subjecting citizens to the threat of pollution.

The report also explained the consequences that could result from problems that could take place during the operation processes of the plant. It also highlighted alternative solutions that, if followed, could avoid areas linked to the Mishref plant from suffering should problems take place. These solutions mainly focused on establishing an alternative route for the sewage waters to be connected with the areas of concern, in addition to newly established residential areas, which eventually would result in e
liminating the need for pumping sewage waters through the Mishref plant, thus helping to improve the safety of the environment while saving the ministry's budget from extortionate amounts allocated for maintenance to the plant.

Meanwhile, MP Mohammad Hayef called for holding an emergency session to discuss the recent pollution issue and held the Minister of Public Works, Dr. Fadhel Safar, fully responsible. MP Hayef even demanded that the minister resign from his position over the incident.

Sources from parliament revealed that MPs intended to move strongly towards this issue as consultations between them have been taking place recently which are expected to result in full coordination to hold those responsible accountable.
On a related note, Minister of Electricity and Water, Dr. Bader Al-Sharaian, denied reports that claimed that there were intentions to shut down the Shuaiba desalination plant. He asserted that that drinking water was safe for consumption, Al-Rai reported.

Furthermore, information indicated that a South Korean team that arrived recently to the country in order to provide assistance to the crisis will start taking samples from contaminated waters at the start of the week while using more sophisticated equipment than those used by the Environment Public Authority (EPA).

Kuwaittimes