Daily traffic and disruption of shops… Residents in Al-Rifaa demand “alternatives” to roads under development

Residents of the Al Raffa area in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah complained about the lack of sufficient alternative roads to compensate for the roads obstructed by the ongoing modernization and expansion work in their area, pointing out that they are vital roads that connect them to their workplaces and many other essential areas.

They assured Emirates Today that they realize the importance of the efforts made by the Ras Al Khaimah government to develop the city, but they expressed their hope that their daily lives will not be affected for a longer period, in light of their suffering from being late to work, and the disruption of commercial shops located on both sides of the streets that are witnessing reconstruction work, in addition to families being affected by the constant inconvenience of vehicle traffic, and their fears for the safety of their children from potential dangers.

For its part, the Ras Al Khaimah Public Works Department stated that it is committed to providing alternatives to the residents of the region, explaining that the ongoing work includes completing road works, rain drainage, and street lighting within densely populated areas, pointing out that it seeks to provide conditions that help the residents of the region to overcome their current challenges, and also confirmed its commitment to completing development work within the approved timings.

In detail, residents in the Al-Raffa area expressed their fear of the delay in completing the ongoing projects in their area, after noticing that they are still in their early stages, despite the passage of about six months since their launch, and wishing to accelerate the pace of implementation.

One of the residents, Muhammad Abdullah Al Zaabi, said that a large number of business owners have been affected by the current situation, because access to their shops is no longer possible, pointing to the owners of shops and restaurants, in addition to a tire repair shop and a library that sells school supplies. He said that the project may take about two years, which will have a major negative impact, stressing the need to find additional alternative ways to alleviate obstacles.

Store workers confirmed that their sales had fallen by half, while rents were still high, which constituted a great burden on them. They expressed their hope that urgent solutions would be found, or at least that work would be expedited to avoid the possibility of greater losses.

Residents suggested implementing awareness campaigns via social media for the public works departments, the municipality, and Ras Al Khaimah Police, to emphasize adherence to speeding and safe driving, expressing their concern for the safety of their children.

They called for strengthening cooperation between government departments and companies to provide flexible departure times for Al-Raffa residents.

Saud Khamis Salem and Marwan Ahmed Al Shamsi said that they feel upset as a result of the lack of solutions that facilitate the completion of their daily tasks as a result of construction work. They hope that the service authorities in Ras Al Khaimah will provide possible support to the residents of the region, especially with the approaching month of Ramadan, when dismissal times usually coincide.

They stressed the importance of providing clear information signs for alternative routes leading to the main streets.

Omar Al Zaabi said that he lives in the Al Dhait area, and visits Al Raffa from time to time, and was affected by the congestion and the length of the crowded alternative roads.

He called on families to monitor their children to avoid traffic accidents, confirming the presence of speeding cars roaming on internal roads.

Obaid Rashid Jarman Al Zaabi noted that the ongoing work is being carried out at a very slow pace, due to the lack of machinery and workers at the work sites, expressing his fear that the work will continue for a period of approximately two years, and consequently the disruption of many daily activities and delay in working hours.

For its part, the Ras Al Khaimah Public Works Department confirmed that it seeks to provide conditions that help the residents of the Al Raffa area overcome their current challenges.