In 2012, the Transport Ministry stated that the major Saudi cities are connected with more than 60,000 kilometers of long roads. Millions of travelers use these roads to move around the Kingdom, not to mention the commercial movement between Gulf countries using Saudi roads. However, the distance is increasing by the year!
Local complaints have been raised for many years now, the most important of which are calls for immediate improvement of fuel stations (these range from number of stations to the unhealthy situation of water cabinets), accommodation, health care units, restaurants etc.
The locals’ biggest question is: If the government is capable of putting up the ‘Saher’ speed-control cameras in so many places on these endless roads, why can’t it encourage investors to provide better and modern facilities?
The Transport Ministry is still way behind what is expected from it in this new era. The Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities is tired seeking support. Consequently, this issue is crucial as thousands of Saudis are supposed to regain trust in local tourism and spend their money inside the Kingdom.
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The writer is the media manager of King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences.
Email: [email protected]
