MADINAH – The rainwater drainage canal that passes through the middle of Shuhada district of Madinah has become a death trap for children and motorists, residents say.
“The canal lacks concrete barriers to prevent people from falling into it,” on resident said. He also complained about the lack of public facilities, potholes and non-asphalted roads.
Sameer Al-Sulaimi urged the municipality to find an effective solution for the danger posed by the canal to protect the lives and property of people living in the area. “The canal poses a big danger and a number of children have fallen into it,” he said and urged the municipality to put concrete blocks on its both sides.
He said people living in the neighborhood suffer from mosquitoes because of sewage water and plants growing in the canal. “It has become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other insects that could spread various diseases in the district,” Al-Sulami told Al-Madinah Arabic daily.
Mohammed Al-Muzaini spoke about the municipality’s lukewarm response to the people’s complaints. “We have informed the municipality about the danger posed by the canal. A number of vehicles have fallen into the canal due to a lack of concrete barriers and proper street lighting.”
He said residents have constructed a makeshift bridge over the canal that divides the district. “We request the municipality to construct a permanent pedestrian bridge over the canal,” he said.
Eyad Al-Alawi emphasized the danger posed by the canal to the residents of Shuhada district as well as to visitors and passersby and urged the authorities to take immediate safety measures. He also referred to the danger posed by electric cables during rains.
“Children are the main victims of the canal,” said Khaled Al-Hazmi. “A number of children and vehicles have fallen into the canal in the past,” he said, pointing out that road along the canal does not have any safety signs.
Al-Madinah visited the canal area and found the residents' complaints were genuine. However, the municipality has started installing concrete barriers on the sides of the canal and the streets are being lighted.
