Qat plantations consume 40 percent of underground water [Archives:2006/930/Local News]
SANA'A, March 19 ) A Ministry of Water and Environment official told 26 September weekly that the ministry has counted between 300 and 400 illegal water rigs operating without permission.
He pointed out that rig owners have pledged to abide by the numbering process to restrict the rigs' mobilization and park them in their courtyards without operating them unless they obtain licenses from the General Authority for Water Resources (GAWR), its affiliates or the Water and Sanitation Corporation.
The source told 26 September weekly, “Concerns about the increasing number of artesian walls, reaching 12,000 in Sana'a and 100,000 in other governorates, are high.” He confirmed that the ministry exerts precious efforts throughout the republic to restrict artesian well drilling due to their bad consequences on underground water.
He explained that the issue requires joint efforts by official apparatuses to prevent the problem's exacerbation. He added that the issue requires sufficient budgets for the ministry and its affiliates to fulfill the growing population's needs and form committees to control underground water consumption.
The source confirmed that qat plantations consume nearly 40 percent of underground water. He pointed out that the National Strategy for Water Maintenance has established a list of solutions in case the media does not play a good role in raising awareness about water consumption. The strategy recommends the Water Law be amended to restrict random drilling and establish GAWR branches in various Yemeni governorates.
——
[archive-e:930-v:14-y:2006-d:2006-03-20-p:ln]