The findings of the government-appointed technical committee that was tasked to probe into the causes of the collapse of the Al-Jamal flyover on the Riyadh-Dammam highway should sent alarm bells ringing in the relevant departments. As per the report issued by the committee, the collapse was the result of official negligence. Due to a lack of maintenance, rust and corrosion had set in weakening the concrete structure. Othman Subhi Al-Shamrani of the Dammam University has a very strong point. He believes the collapse might have been caused by water accumulating inside the concrete structure because of a lack of drainage system.
This is an important issue and should be taken very seriously. Many mega projects in the Kingdom are undertaken without taking into consideration a proper rainwater drainage system. I believe it is the same official apathy toward hundreds of unprotected wells in the country that resulted in the tragic death of Lama in Tabuk. I urge the relevant authorities to take immediate steps for the closure of unprotected wells across the Kingdom. Secondly, construction of proper rainwater drainage systems should be ensured before embarking on any construction project. The authorities must think in the long term. In addition to that laws should be formed and enforced so that construction companies attach importance to this issue and in case of violation should be severely punished. — S.H. Moulana, Riyadh
Proper drainage system
