JEDDAH, 5 August 2004 — Work on the new two-way Taif-Baha-Abha Road began in Taif yesterday after Crown Prince Abdullah laid the foundation stone for the SR600 million project designed to serve thousands of people in three regions.
“In the name of God, we launch this project, which will serve the religion, the nation and its great people, God willing,” the crown prince said while laying the foundation stone.
Prince Abdullah, who arrived in Taif on Monday, is expected to launch a number of other development projects in the city including the Taif University, Prince Sultan Medical College, King Faisal Park and an electricity plant.
Addressing the road launching ceremony in Taif, Transport Minister Dr. Jabara Al-Seraisry described the new road would link three regions — Makkah, Baha and Asir provinces — and promote economic and social progress.
The first phase covers expansion of the road up to Baljurashi in the Baha region with a length of 200 kilometers. The project has been awarded to three major Saudi contractors. “The project opens a new chapter in the history of the southern road, which was first opened by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd about 25 years ago,” the minister said.
He described the narrow southern road a big achievement as it passed through several towns and villages crossing valleys and mountains.
Seraisry thanked the crown prince for issuing orders to expand the busy road with two tracks on both directions.
Baha Governor Prince Muhammad ibn Saud said the new expansion project would make travel to the region safer. “It will boost development throughout the region,” he added.
The governor said people of Baha were extremely happy over the government’s decision to expand the road and added that it would facilitate travel of citizens as well as pilgrims and tourists.
Mufreh Al-Zahrani, director of roads and transport in the Makkah region, said that 100 kilometers of the Taif-Baha-Abha road have so far been made two-way. The project’s first phase includes construction of 89 bridges.
“At present some 50 road projects worth more than SR1.6 billion are being implemented in the Makkah region,” he added.
Dr. Hamza ibn Hussein Al-Faer, a professor at Um Al-Qura University, spoke on behalf of the public and said the new road would reduce the suffering of people living in the three regions and strengthen their relations.
The ceremony was attended by a large number of princes and officials including Prince Miteb, minister of municipal and rural affairs, and Makkah Governor Prince Abdul Majeed.
Businessmen have estimated new tourism and industrial investment in Taif at more than SR1 billion. Some two million tourists visit Taif every year.
“There are a number of tourism projects under implementation in Taif,” said Salah Al-Haddad, acting secretary-general of the Taif Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Tourism revenues from Taif this year would cross SR2 billion, he added.
Meanwhile, Taif Governor Fahd ibn Muammar will open a market for handicraft and traditional dishes today.
Prince Abdul Aziz ibn Fahd ibn Abdullah, deputy secretary-general of the Supreme Commission for Tourism for investment and marketing, will attend the function. Some 40 craftsmen are expected to participate in the Taif market.
