By RACHELLE KLIGER | THE MEDIA LINE

Published: Mar 11, 2010 23:24 Updated: Mar 11, 2010 23:24

KUWAIT CITY: Kuwait's Ministry of Public Works and Municipal Affairs has signed a contract to repair a sewage plant that broke down seven months ago. The Mishref sewage plant malfunctioned in August after its 13 pumps broke down, causing a waste crisis and triggering diplomatic and political tensions.

Environmental organizations are warning against severe pollution caused by the breakdown, with some reports suggesting that five million gallons of sewage water are being dumped into the sea daily.

Captain Ali Heidar, deputy director general of the governmental Environment Public Authority (EPA) said the real numbers were significantly lower.

“Now it’s sustainable,” he told The Media Line, claiming that the situation was under control with the plant already undergoing repair works. “They need another four months to stop partially treated sewage being released into the marine environment.”

The Kuwait Times reported that the sewage problem has diplomatic repercussions, as many Arab and foreign diplomats who live in the area near the plant have complained of foul smells and pollution.

The pumping station west of the capital, Kuwait City, treats sewage generated by one million people.

The malfunctioning sewage facility has pitted government officials against lawmakers. In the aftermath of the breakdown, MPs criticized the government for not having put safeguards in place in case of a breakdown. They said the government’s sole contingency plan was to dump the raw sewage into the Gulf.

Environmental organizations in Kuwait are accusing the government of negligence, under claims the facility should not have been built near residential areas. ¬