Razzaz pledges to solve Ruseifa's 'Pepsi Pool' within week

AMMAN — Prime Minister Omar Razzaz on Tuesday pledged to find a solution that can put an end to the environmental problems caused by the cesspit known as the "Pepsi Pool" in Ruseifa area and to start immediate actions within a week for that purpose, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

"This is a promise from the government to find a solution that addresses the environmental problem dating back to 30 years," the prime minister said during a filed visit on Tuesday to the "Pepsi Pool" location in the Iskan Talal neighbourhood of Ruseifa.

The infamous "Pepsi pool", a cesspit which sits in the heart of a populated and industrialised area east of Ruseifa, is known to be highly contaminated with industrial and domestic wastewater.

Residents of the area around the "Pepsi Pool" suffer from foul odours, mosquitoes and insects due to the stagnant water in the pool, which has accumulated as a result of sewage, household connections, water leaking from factories and rainwater.

Industrial dumping, mainly by the mineral and soft drink industries, and wastewater leaked from residential areas created a dangerous situation. During winter, rainfall would often cause the pit to overflow into the surrounding residential area, increasing the hazard to citizens and workers.

Razzaz instructed the Greater Amman Municipality and the Ministry of Water and Irrigation to immediately address the problem and to end the suffering of the citizens living nearby, stressing that the treatment should be radical, not just aesthetic.

"We are aware that the people of the area have been impatiently waiting for a solution to this problem, which has been a health concern over the past years, and the government is committed and will be held accountable for its treatment in the near future," the prime minister added.

He stressed that the Council of Ministers will seek a way through fieldwork to identify the problems facing citizens in their areas of residence and will work on finding effective solutions, adding, "Our confidence is solid in the high level of awareness of the citizens who demand their rights, and our duty lies in working to serve them with all honesty and sincerity".

Razzaz also promised to turn the area into a park that serves the densely populated area and provides a safe environment for children and residents, especially since the pool has witnessed many drowning incidents over the years.

The prime minister was accompanied on the visit by Minister of Water and Irrigation Munir Owais, Minister of State for Media Affairs Jumana Ghunaimat, Amman Mayor Yousef Shawarbeh, Secretary General of the Ministry of Environment Ahmed Qatraneh, Ruseifa MPs Marzouq Da'ja and Qusay Dumeisi, Zarqa Governor Mohammed Sumairan, Mayor of Ruseifa Osama Hamour, as well as a number of other officials.