الشارقة 24 – وام:
In alignment with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, the Sharjah City Municipality, in collaboration with strategic partners, including the Roads and Transport Authority, the Planning and Survey Department, the Public Works Department, the Sharjah Police General Command, and the Sharjah Electricity, Water, and Gas Authority, has successfully completed a comprehensive road and pavement rehabilitation project in the Al Yarmouk area. This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to enhance infrastructure, improve the quality of life for residents and visitors, and elevate the city’s aesthetic and urban appearance. The project included significant improvements to infrastructure services and the creation of service facilities based on the best practices and standards..
Roads, Pavements, and Parking Facilities Enhancement
Engineer Faisal Mulla, Director of the Public Services Department and Head of the Al Yarmouk Roads, Pavements, and Parking Facilities Project, confirmed that the project was executed over a period of seven and a half months, adhering to a comprehensive pre-planning approach by project teams. This encompassed everything from the approval of infrastructure plans and obtaining necessary permits to executing the works in accordance with top specifications and standards in collaboration with relevant government entities..
Mulla elaborated that the development of the Al Yarmouk area is integral to the municipality’s continuous efforts to uplift and enhance infrastructure, thereby improving residents’ quality of life. This includes the development of interior road networks, the organisation of parking spaces and pavements, and enhancements to the stormwater drainage systems, as well as organising service routes and infrastructure within the area..
Creating an Integrated, Safe, and Sustainable Urban Environment
Furthermore, Mulla noted that the project involved comprehensive works on the infrastructure, including the installation of electricity, water, gas lines, communication networks, and sewage systems. The upgrade of roads in the Al Yarmouk area, alongside the subsequent pavement and rehabilitation of public parking, aims to create an integrated, safe, and sustainable urban environment. This will facilitate the movement of residents and visitors while enhancing connectivity between the area’s facilities and buildings, positively impacting the comfort of residents and users of public roads and parking, subsequently improving the overall quality of life and the visual appeal of the area..
Moreover, Mulla highlighted that the works also encompass the enhancement and development of building facades in the area. The municipality facilitated the necessary permits for facade painting and the removal of any elements that detract from the overall appearance, thereby enriching the urban landscape of the region while preserving its aesthetic character..
He further explained that the project’s execution followed an ambitious schedule of eight months, which is shorter than the contractual period of a full year, aiming to complete the works promptly while maintaining traffic flow for residents and shop owners, thereby avoiding a complete closure of the area..
This was achieved through dividing the area into seven work zones and implementing tasks in a phased and organised manner, with parts of the area remaining open to residents and shop owners, minimising the impact of construction work on daily life..
A Transformative Leap in Infrastructure
Mulla emphasised the critical role of coordination and cooperation with the Roads and Transport Authority in achieving the project according to the highest global specifications and standards, facilitating a transformative leap in the infrastructure and urban scene of the area. He pointed out that the Authority’s involvement began in the initial phases of the project, ensuring quality control over the execution of work and adherence to established best practices and technical standards, thus guaranteeing an integrated infrastructure characterised by quality, efficiency, and sustainability that meets the developmental requirements and aspirations of residents and visitors alike..
The project’s overall area covered was 185,000 square meters, including the development and maintenance of internal road networks spanning 2,320 meters in total length, with the creation of 53 roads covering an area of 56,876 square meters and a length of nearly nine kilometres. Additionally, 41 walkways and pedestrian pavements were constructed, exceeding 31,320 square meters..
Land Cleaning and Leveling Initiatives
The works also included cleaning and leveling 36 plots of land, covering approximately 31,000 square meters, enhancing the general appearance of the region and allowing better utilisation of available lands, with some designations set to be converted into smart parking spaces and areas for school buses..
Mulla noted that the project encompassed the implementation of sewage networks and stormwater drainage systems, achieving 100% completion across a total length of 14,800 linear metres. This was executed according to the highest standards and specifications through the approval of detailed plans, monitoring the quality of materials used, and rigorous testing and inspections of the networks, along with checking drainage pits and associated facilities..
In addition, the municipality formed a specialised team to oversee building facades in the area, working alongside the main project team. They covered over 535 buildings and issued maintenance permits for 231 buildings, with all permits granted without fees to ease the process for property owners..
Establishment of Parking Facilities
Mulla highlighted that the project involved the establishment and preparation of 4,160 parking spaces, which have been subjected to fees, distributed along roadways and internal squares. The aim is to regulate vehicle parking, facilitate access for residents and visitors to formal parking spots, and mitigate the occurrence of random parking, which leads to negative practices. For the first time, the project also provided dedicated parking spaces for motorcycles throughout all areas..
The Sharjah City Municipality has placed significant emphasis on recreational and environmental aspects within the project framework by creating a new park spanning 5,400 square meters, which includes a shaded area for children’s play, a football pitch, a security office for park supervision, and seating for visitors..
Moreover, Mulla mentioned that 280 coastal flowering trees were planted, along with other blooming trees such as the Acacia Glauca, Accordia, Jatropha, and Beltrami trees, along both sides of the main roads, aimed at improving the urban landscape and increasing green spaces in the area, alongside the maintenance of grassy areas..
Additions of Small Parks
He pointed out that the project also saw the addition of another small park designed to preserve an aged Ghaf tree, which remained integrated within the park’s overall design, featuring a play area for children and family seating, thus creating a comfortable communal space for local residents..
The Director of the Public Services Department, Mulla, explained that His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah has directed the allocation of a plot of land for the construction of a building in the area to serve as a base for inspectors to carry out their duties and fieldwork related to municipal tasks, including monitoring all aspects relating to the urban appearance and cleanliness of the area, while overseeing building facades and commercial signage. This facility is executed to the highest standards and fully equipped..
In line with the municipality’s commitment to safety and comfort for residents, 227 energy-efficient street lights were added, alongside 32 benches along pedestrian walkways, contributing to a more comfortable and safer environment for residents and visitors, and enhancing overall quality of life. Additionally, an integrated camera surveillance system was created to reinforce security levels and safety in the region..