Criminals set fire to an electrical room - and sewage is flowing toward Be'er Sheva

Criminals set fire to the electrical room of the Neve Midbar water corporation's sewage treatment plant in the Negev, after the corporation refused to pay protection money. As a result, sewage from Nahal Hevron is flowing toward Be'er Sheva until the damage is repaired. The corporation's CEO, Khaled Abu Ganim, who has been under security for a year, describes a cycle of vandalism, release of criminals, and revenge.

Criminals set fire to the electrical room of the Neve Midbar water corporation's sewage treatment plant in the Negev, after the corporation refused to pay protection money. The arson caused all sewage from Nahal Hevron to now flow toward Be'er Sheva, and the situation is expected to continue until the plant resumes operation. The corporation's CEO, Khaled Abu Ganim, who has been under security for a year, described a cycle of vandalism and repeated arson: "The police are handling it and cooperating, but unfortunately, sophisticated criminals almost never leave traces. Last year there were many incidents of vandalism and sabotage." He noted that sewage has been flowing from Tel Sheva to Be'er Sheva for a month. The corporation provides services to seven communities in the Negev. A report by former State Comptroller Matanyahu Englman from last April warned of a lack of governance in the Negev with severe consequences for deterrence, personal security, and the economy. The article quotes the CEO's statements and the comptroller's report but does not include a response from the police or enforcement authorities regarding the specific incident.