Okaz/Saudi Gazette

TAIF — Work on the flyover known as Jisr Al-Dalal in downtown Taif has been stalled for the past two years after the foundation stone for the project was laid. The plaque that was installed at the time of project’s launch stated that it would be completed in a year and a half.

Responding to the citizens’ complaints regarding the delay in completing the project, Taif Mayor Mohammed Bin Homail said the work was stopped due to a lack of funds. The flyover was to be constructed on Jaish Road, which heads to the Education Square. The project also included a tunnel leading to the airport.

“We were forced to halt the project because no financial allocations were made to pay the compensation to property owners,” Bin Homail told Okaz/Saudi Gazette. “We are now revising the project plan to implement it using available funds,” he explained.

The estimated value of the project was SR113 million, he said, adding that it was to be implemented within 550 days. The plaque unveiled at the site confirms that the foundation stone for the project was laid more than two years ago.

Abdullah Al-Malki said residents were disappointed when work on the project was halted abruptly without giving any reason. “We were very happy when they laid the foundation for the project but our happiness did not last long,” he added.

He said the project was important for reducing traffic bottlenecks in the city. “We were surprised when the authorities removed the plaque and threw it in the debris near by the project site,” Al-Malki said, adding that the project was supposed to have completed six months ago.

Badr Al-Otaibi also criticized the authorities for not completing the project as planned. He said the authorities removed the project’s plaque at the beginning of this year. He said the halt of the project work has caused many problems for motorists and passengers.

Mohammed Al-Harthi lambasted the authorities for removing the plaque from the site without informing the public. “We have been waiting for the completion of Jisr Al-Dalal, which would end the traffic bottlenecks in downtown Taif,” he said and urged the municipality to review its decision and restart the project without further delay.

Abdul Aziz Al-Nafeei said many Taif residents were unhappy when the authorities stopped the work for the flyover. “We were shocked when they threw the project’s plaque in the debris,” he added.