MUSCAT: The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MoTCIT) announced the completion of evaluation of the damage to roads due to heavy rains the country witnessed during the previous period.
The MoTCIT, in coordination with the Ministry of Finance, has prepared funds required for restoration and rehabilitation of the affected roads.
In addition, the MoTCIT confirmed the continuation of the restoration of roads affected by cyclone Shaheen last year, affirming that the road restoration projects are progressing well including the stretch between Al Maladda roundabout in the Wilayat of Al Musannah in South Al Batinah Governorate to Saham roundabout in North Al Batinah Governorate where the rehabilitation work involves repairing the affected road fence.
Awadh bin Salim al Sideiri, Director of road rehabilitation department at the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, said that the technical teams have finalised the assessment of the damage to roads and there was coordination with the Ministry of Finance to provide the funds needed to award tenders for the rehabilitation projects. He added that the roads experienced various types of damage including damage to the subgrade, the asphalt layer and the protection fences.
The ministry is currently working to complete the road rehabilitation process as soon as possible in order to restore normal vehicular movement, the official said, noting that the restoration of bridges require longer periods and that the ministry is currently studying the most appropriate methods to do so before floating the tenders. However, at the time being the ministry focuses on road rehabilitation and the restoration of traffic.
Al Sideiri noted that the ministry has already awarded 11 tenders for rehabilitation of dirt roads in 10 governorates while the rehabilitation of paved roads continues and some tenders were awarded and others will shortly be floated by the Tender Board.
Source: Oman Observer