Barran Press
In an exclusive interview with "Barran Press," Abdullah Al-Aqeeli, the Director General of Public Works and Roads in Marib, discussed the significant development momentum in the province over the past decade, highlighting both achievements and ongoing challenges.
Al-Aqeeli credited the leadership of Governor Sultan bin Ali Al-Aradah for driving the urban planning initiatives that have transformed Marib. He pointed to the master plan established in 2018, which expanded the city’s layout from 3,600 hectares to 21,000 hectares, creating 34 urban areas and 107 neighborhood units. This expansion aims to ease congestion and improve service delivery across various sectors.
The public works office, according to Al-Aqeeli, plays a crucial role in infrastructure development, overseeing activities related to building construction, road maintenance, and environmental sanitation, among others.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the progress, Al-Aqeeli noted that inflation and market instability have hindered some projects. In response, the office formed committees to analyze market conditions and establish price lists for construction materials, allowing them to adapt to current economic realities. These measures have revitalized the construction sector and alleviated issues faced by contractors.
He emphasized the importance of closely monitoring market prices and updating cost estimates to reflect local and global changes, especially given the country’s exceptional circumstances.
The influx of internally displaced persons has also increased the demand for services, prompting the public works office to enhance its efforts and mobilize staff to address these challenges through infrastructure projects, boosting employment and stimulating the local economy.
Key Achievements
Al-Aqeeli highlighted several notable achievements in road development, including an increase in asphalt road coverage from 36,000 square meters in 2016 to approximately 2,366,900 square meters by February 2024, with a total investment of $59 million over eight years. This means that the new asphalt represents 87% of the total road network, compared to just 13% in 2016.
In terms of building construction, renovations, and new projects from 2016 to February 2024 have cost around $14.7 million. Additionally, the city has seen significant improvements in traffic safety and lighting, with over 803 modern streetlights installed along major roads.
Al-Aqeeli discussed the critical need for a comprehensive sewage project, citing over 18,000 homes and 6,000-8,000 commercial shops in Marib. He emphasized that activating subscriptions from these properties would facilitate the project's implementation, which is essential for the city’s future.
The sewage treatment facility is seen as a vital investment that would enhance public health and the environment for future generations. Al-Aqeeli assured that efforts are underway to address social and logistical challenges related to the project.