Ministry responds to residents complaints

MAKKAH — The Ministry of Transportation admitted to causing a swamp that threatens the safety of people living in Al-Salamah district in the Holy City of Makkah six years ago noting that it was due to a hole in the base of a bridge project. The ministry said, commenting on the report published by Okaz daily in regards to this issue, that a fence was built around the hole to protect pedestrians after work has stopped for electrical reasons. The ministry also mentioned that there was a new contractor and the project was reopened. The second phase of the project's implementation consisted of two parts: The first was implemented along 5,750 kms with a total cost of SR505,173 million and opened during Ramadan of 1435H. The ministry noted that the first part of the project included the main road of four lanes — that would serve as two lanes in each direction. The remaining work of the second phase resumed after a contractor of the electricity company completed electrical work at the site. The Ministry of Transportation pointed out that the second part of the project included the implementation of a highway at a total value of SR150,975,000 and was opened for traffic during Ramadan 1435H.