Jeddah's roads going backwards

Tuesday, 09 March 2010 07:42

roadsky

JEDDAH – New roads don't last long here nowadays. They also don't stay at the same height because they keep growing as if they were on a protein-rich diet. The regular wear and tear of roads has become a menace for motorists. Roads would be laid and within no time they would become bumpy and full of pit-holes. Moreover, the ground level increases each time a new road is laid. So pavements are getting shorter than roads and manholes are sinking in.

manhole

I forwarded this picture to Mr. Hidayathullah Baig, a highway engineer and transportation planner who has over 10 years consultancy experience in designing of highways and traffic and transportation projects. He was flabbergasted! "It is really strange that they are relaying roads in this manner. In my four years in Riyadh, I have only seen the correct way of relaying roads, which is scrapping the old layer, treating the foundation (the layer seen after scrapping) and then relaying the road. This is the correct procedure for relaying roads internationally," he wrote in an email to Saudi Life.

"In countries like India, this (standard - ed.) is not followed. The main reason is corruption. When the contractors pay bribes to get the contract awarded, they normally cut corners to save money. Scraping the old layer and removing and disposing costs money. So, the contractors do not scrap the older layer, but just keep relaying over the old one. This does not give structural stability to the new layer and that is why, with in a few months, you will see cracks on the roads. Not only that. After a few years the road level would be higher than the level of your house, due to constant relaying."

He hits the nail on the head. Already the roads have become higher than pavements.

"It is quite unfortunate that this system of road relaying is adopted in a country like Saudi Arabia. I do not know for sure the reasons for the same, but this practice is highly unprofessional," he added.

Mr. Baig, an Indian, worked in Saudi Arabia from 2004-2008. I'm waiting for comments to know if this practice is also found in Riyadh and the Eastern Province or if it's "exclusive" to Jeddah.

Don't the authorities responsible clearly see the problem with such irresponsible and cheap maneuvers? These roads do not meet international quality standards and would be rejected spontaneously in a developed country. The sad part is that Saudi Arabia had never resorted to such practices in the past. The roads, the constructions, and the engineering designs were flawless. Despite being less informed and less educated, the Saudis managed to get the work done quite professionally. How and why?

My little understanding tells me there was much more honesty and sincerity then, than there is now. When honesty gets traded for "commission" (bribery), the result will be such. That's why it's so important to have honest and skillful bosses. What if both qualities are not present? Then, I think, honesty takes priority. A skillful, but dishonest, boss will do more harm, than an illiterate, but honest, boss. Because a person who doesn't sell his integrity will get the job done by hiring the best minds and people available. All other qualities, including nationality, take a back seat.

On the other hand, the institutions that inculcate proper ethics in people are being "successfully" defamed. Their contributions to the society are not recognized, let alone given the credit that they deserve.