SHARJAH // Measures taken to upgrade a deadly truck road junction were not enough, an Al Daid councillor said on Thursday.
Dr Khalifah Obeid Dalmouk, speaking at a Sharjah Consultative Council session, said merely resurfacing the road and repainting road markings would not reduce the danger at a junction that has claimed many lives in recent years.
Last month, three children – aged 6, 13 and 14 – died at the spot when their car was involved in a collision with a lorry.
The children’s mother and two of their siblings, aged 8 and 3, suffered severe injuries.
“The junction was made three years ago and we were told it would be tested for six months,” said Al Dhaid councillor Dr Dalmouk. “But there have been no changes to a dangerous road that has claimed many lives.”
The junction is on the E55 that connects Al Dhaid centre with Al Madam. The road is the main artery connecting the western region of Sharjah and southern emirates with the central and eastern regions of Sharjah.
“The road should be wider – two narrow lanes are not enough,” said Dr Dalmouk, who thinks commercial buildings at the side of the road should be removed so the tarmac can be widened.
“Public safety is paramount, and if the shops and garages need to be removed to enhance the road, so be it, the government can compensate them.”
The council member also complained that the truck road was built without adequate drainage, which caused flooding during heavy rain.
“Homes on the banks of the road are lower than the street, and heavy rain causes water to pour down on them, destroying properties.”
Resident Abdullah Ali said drastic changes needed to be made to the junction to make it safe and that the upgrade work – resurfacing and repainting – did not change the logistics of the problem. “It’s the same, nothing has changed really, there are no exits, the road is narrow, only two lanes per direction,” said Abdullah Ali. “This junction needs drastic changes.”
Sharjah RTA chairman Yousuf Al Suwaiji said plans were under way to do away with the junction.
“A bridge will be built on the E55 connecting Al Dhaid centre with Al Madam, while the truck road will pass under the bridge,” he said. “This will eliminate the need for traffic lights and ensure ease of traffic flow.”
The project is scheduled to be completed by the end of the year.
tzriqat@thenational.ae
What is Folia?
Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal's new plant-based menu will launch at Four Seasons hotels in Dubai this November. A desire to cater to people looking for clean, healthy meals beyond green salad is what inspired Prince Khaled and American celebrity chef Matthew Kenney to create Folia. The word means "from the leaves" in Latin, and the exclusive menu offers fine plant-based cuisine across Four Seasons properties in Los Angeles, Bahrain and, soon, Dubai.
Kenney specialises in vegan cuisine and is the founder of Plant Food Wine and 20 other restaurants worldwide. "I’ve always appreciated Matthew’s work," says the Saudi royal. "He has a singular culinary talent and his approach to plant-based dining is prescient and unrivalled. I was a fan of his long before we established our professional relationship."
Folia first launched at The Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills in July 2018. It is available at the poolside Cabana Restaurant and for in-room dining across the property, as well as in its private event space. The food is vibrant and colourful, full of fresh dishes such as the hearts of palm ceviche with California fruit, vegetables and edible flowers; green hearb tacos filled with roasted squash and king oyster barbacoa; and a savoury coconut cream pie with macadamia crust.
In March 2019, the Folia menu reached Gulf shores, as it was introduced at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, where it is served at the Bay View Lounge. Next, on Tuesday, November 1 – also known as World Vegan Day – it will come to the UAE, to the Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach and the Four Seasons DIFC, both properties Prince Khaled has spent "considerable time at and love".
There are also plans to take Folia to several more locations throughout the Middle East and Europe.
While health-conscious diners will be attracted to the concept, Prince Khaled is careful to stress Folia is "not meant for a specific subset of customers. It is meant for everyone who wants a culinary experience without the negative impact that eating out so often comes with."
The biog
Name: Shamsa Hassan Safar
Nationality: Emirati
Education: Degree in emergency medical services at Higher Colleges of Technology
Favourite book: Between two hearts- Arabic novels
Favourite music: Mohammed Abdu and modern Arabic songs
Favourite way to spend time off: Family visits and spending time with friends
Spider-Man: No Way Home
Director: Jon Watts
Stars: Tom Holland, Zendaya, Jacob Batalon
Rating:*****
