Road woe for Old Airport area residents
Originally published in Gulf Times on July 31, 2008
RESIDENTS of the Old Airport area have complained of poor road conditions that are inflicting daily misery on them.
The whole area is apparently undergoing a phased upgrade of cables and lines, but most of the inner roads have not been smoothened after completion of work.
The maze-like inner roads are a nightmare for drivers as they try to dodge potholes and dug-up patches.
“It’s been wreaking havoc with our lives ever since the authorities started digging roads here. Once they move on to the next street, the previous lane is left with patches which are filled with sand and rubble,” said a long-time resident.
“This also causes dusty conditions, making windy days worse for us,” he added.
At one crossroad in the area, a gaping 3ft deep hole right in the middle of a road has been left unattended for about a month.
Shopkeepers and residents have covered the hole by placing a municipal trash-bin over it to warn commuters of the hazard.
There is no street light on this stretch, making it a bigger threat to road users.
“For the last one month, I’m not allowing my children to go out on their own,” a mother of two said.
The movement of heavy trucks is causing further damage to the roads, it is learnt.
New residential buildings are coming up in the area, which is home to a large number of middle and lower-middle class families.
Residents say the roads should be made drivable again and street lights installed.
As Published
