RIYADH, 15 March 2004 — The Shoura Council is studying the issue of enforcing highway tolls in the Kingdom in coordination with the Ministry of Transport.
In a session closed to the press, Shoura members headed by Dr. Saleh Bin-Humaid yesterday met with Minister of Transport Dr. Jabara Al-Seraisry and his accompanying delegation.
The purpose of the visit was to raise directly with Shoura members the issues concerning the possible enforcement of the law and to answer any questions on the matter.
During his address to members, the minister explained that careful study went into investigating private sector investment in the construction and maintenance of roads before it was submitted to the Shoura for approval.
The resulting study covered development plans, privatization, future road requirements and international comparisons.
Dr. Al-Seraisry said in this year’s budget the government has allocated SR3.5 billion for road projects.
The government had for some time sought private sector participation in infrastructure and public service projects. “The privatization policy targets several sectors, including transport,” he said.
The minister also noted that it was one of the recommendations of the Riyadh Economic Forum last year that infrastructure should be the cornerstone of any economic development.
He said though the Ministry of Finance was generous in its budget allocation for his ministry, state coffers would never be able to meet the constant demands of the sector.
“I understand that highway tolls are unpopular and should be avoided as much as possible. But if (introducing the toll) means building more roads to rural areas or maintaining rundown roads, then I suggest that the Shoura seriously look into this matter,” the minister said.
