New projects ‘must be on time’

The Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed reviewed a number of projects being planned and carried out in the emirate, including the Etihad Rail, at a meeting of the executive council. Sheikh Mohammed stressed the need to complete these projects within their scheduled time frame. He added that to sustain development it was imperative to have an infrastructure that would support the growth that the UAE is undergoing.

The progress along the first phase of the Etihad Rail Project was highlighted, including the line between Habshan and Al Ruwais, at a length of 140 km, in addition to another 20 km of detours and side tracks, which are deemed important milestones in the development of the first railway in the UAE. The first phase of the 264 km Shah-Habshan line will be fully completed at the end of this year. Seven carriages and 110 wagons will run on this line.

The committee also reviewed a series of ongoing projects promoting the education sector and providing all the conditions for raising levels of education, with the express intent to increase the numbers of Emiratis working in schools. Sheikh Mohammed directed the council to encourage Emiratis working as principals and assistant principals and administrators to develop the quality of education.

Sheikh Mohammed was also briefed on plans by the Department of Municipal Affairs to further improve Abu Dhabi city’s greenery. The civic body plans to spend Dh426 million on specialist contractors to develop and maintain these areas, using the latest scientific techniques in the field of agriculture and irrigation to reduce water consumption.

He also reviewed new projects to improve the power grid in the emirate, including building five new stations, costing more than Dh268 million.

Other projects included infrastructure works for Khalifa City which will see 3,108 LED lampposts installed, installing a sewage network and building sidewalks, costing Dh242 million in all.

The participants also discussed the progress on road projects across Abu Dhabi. They also discussed details on roads and infrastructure work in various areas in Al Ain. The projects include street lighting, car parks, drainage and pavements at a total cost of Dh40 million.

The committee also reviewed the progress made on the Mafraq-Ghweifat highway and the Abu Dhabi-Dubai main road projects.