Residents seek paved roads

Muscat: Residents of Al Kawthar area in Al Khoudh, Al Seeb, are struggling with unpaved roads that have gone untouched for over seven years. This neighbourhoods face significant issues due to inadequate infrastructure.

According to those who live in that area, residents have been requesting the Muscat Municipality since 2017 to address their concerns, but responses have been delayed and inadequate. They are calling upon the authorities to complete the work as promised to pave roads in 2020.

“The rugged roads lead to frequent vehicle breakdowns and disrupt transportation and delivery services. The environment also fosters hazardous reptiles and insects, posing significant risks to residents, especially children,” said one of the residents of the area.

Improper disposal of construction waste by companies near residential areas have also worsened living conditions and compromised safety, residents say. "We suffer from vehicle breakdowns due to poor road conditions, and the dust affects our health," said Mohammed al Ajmi, who is a resident since 2016.

"The area has become a dumping ground for waste, and we face risks from snakes and scorpions. Despite contacting the municipality since 2016, we've seen no results," he added.

Saif al Akhzami, who is living in the area for the last five years, said: "The lack of paved roads disrupts our daily commute, and bus operators won't transport our children to school. We frequently face air conditioning breakdowns and risks from scorpions and snakes. Despite submitting a petition five years ago, the roads remain unpaved." Another resident, Raed bin Ahmed al Zadjali, said, “Frequent vehicle breakdowns impose a financial burden, and buses and delivery companies avoid our area. We've approached the municipality repeatedly, but only received responses citing financial constraints. We seek a clear timeline for street paving." He has been there since 2019.

The ongoing issues in Al Kawthar highlight the urgent need for infrastructure development to improve residents' quality of life. Immediate action is essential to ensure a safe and sustainable living environment.