The Jeddah Mayoralty is undertaking a large renovation project to clear potholes in the city’s streets.

This is the largest project to date and will involve fixing more than 10,000 potholes and deformations in most of the streets at a cost of about SR50 million.

Sami Nawar, spokesman for the mayoralty, said: “We have received numerous complaints and observations from Jeddah residents about pits and deformations of various sizes across neighborhoods. They complained that the current condition of many streets does serious damage to their vehicles, not to mention the ugly and highly unattractive sight of the streets that gives the city an uncivilized appearance.”

“There are holes large enough for children to fall into. We expect to complete the project in 4 months,” he added. “I have to admit that Jeddah has the highest proportion of these holes and bumps among the cities of Saudi Arabia. These deformation is caused by many factors, but mostly because contractors who are entrusted with fixing them do not do their job properly. Some of them are simply dishonest or not serious enough about their work,” he said.

“But we have to add another factor. Some heavy trucks and very large vehicles use the roads even before asphalting work has been completed. We usually post signs that specifically ask them to refrain from using these roads until they are completed, but they do not listen. And the result? You will have too many of these deep ground sinking places,” he said.

Abdullah Al-Shareef, a resident of Rowdah neighborhood in Jeddah, said: “My work requires me to drive for more than 10 hours every day to distribute food and sell foodstuff to many stores. Every day, I face the prospect of driving on these roads which are dangerous in some places. My car suffered a lot. I have had to change my shock absorbers many times, each time paying about SR 700 to SR 900. When do you think the mayoralty will come to the rescue?” he said.