Concerned with the rapid depletion of water reserves, Saudi Authorities plan to launch a new series of measures to reduce consumption.
Though not specifying any particulars, Agriculture and Water Minister, Abdullah Al-Muamar, intimated that increases in water fees should be anticipated. The current water consumption fee for household use amounts to SR0.25 ($0.07) per metric ton, with commercial housing project water usage fees running as high as SR0.75 ($0.2) per metric ton.
In Riyadh, at his inaugural speech delivered during a 4-day symposium on water consumption rationalization and conservation, the Minister stated that the Kingdom's government is considering taking serious measures to conserve water resources, Al-Hayat Daily reported. Substantial cutbacks in wheat and barley cultivation volumes will constitute the predominant measure.
© 2000 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
