Lack of essential services make Badr residents suffer

By Hatim Al-Raheeli MADINAH – When one travels through Badr governorate in the Madinah region one will be reminiscent of the historic battle that took place in the area during the time of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). It was the first battle in Islamic history and brought about remarkable change in the condition of Muslims. Despite its historic importance, Badr has been facing negligence by authorities, who have not taken adequate measures to provide the city with essential services. Badr is located 150 km southwest of Madinah along the old Madinah-Jeddah Road and has a population of over 40,000. People of Badr, which got the name because of the crescent shape of its geography, have expressed their anguish over the municipality’s negligence toward Badr and called for new educational, health, road and municipal projects for the welfare of people. Hani Al-Subhi stressed the need to complete ongoing development projects at the entrance of Badr along the Badr-Madinah-Jeddah Expressway. He also called for improving the city’s road system. “The municipality has destroyed its square and city center and made its streets narrow. For the last three years it has been working on roads but not yet completed,” he said. Al-Subhi warned that the construction of a roundabout in the city’s eastern side without traffic lights would endanger lives of motorists and passengers. Ahmed Al-Harbi spoke about the development requirements of Badr, which is located between Madinah and Yanbu. “Badr lacks recreational facilities and families have to travel either to Yanbu or Madinah to spend their weekends and vacations,” he pointed out. The city’s residents also require a good park. The present one — King Fahd Park — is small and its facilities require maintenance. “We have made several representations to the municipality chairman to repair playing facilities in different districts but he did not fulfill his promises.” Abdullah Al-Subhi strongly criticized the municipal council for doing nothing for the development of Badr and not meeting requirements of its people. “The council was supposed to monitor works and services of the municipality but it remains inactive and unproductive,” he added. Ahmed Al-Shahri drew public attention on large numbers of potholes in streets, adding that they pose danger to motorists and passengers. “Work on the main road that passes through the market is continuing for the last two years, creating problems for the public and motorists,” he said. Al-Shahri urged Badr municipality to learn from other municipalities, which react positively to the needs of the citizens they make on the social media including Twitter and Facebook. “But we don’t see such a positive development from Badr municipality,” he added. Ushban Al-Johani wanted the government to send a fact-finding mission to Badr and punish negligent officials and departments in the city. Abdul Aziz Al-Mansour spoke about poor condition of roads especially after digging works conducted by telecom, electricity and water companies.