‘Can’t blame expats for traffic chaos on roads’ – Better planning must
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KUWAIT CITY, July 3: Kuwait Society of Engineers (KSE) has reacted to the report on traffic congestion with KSE Chairperson Eng Faisal Al-Otul arguing that the issue is not about building new roads, because this solution is not enough unless a comprehensive system is in place; while exonerating expatriates from the accusation of causing such a crisis, reports Al-Rai daily.
In his statement to the press, Al-Otul stressed the need to find other solutions like the construction of a central parking area in the Capital Governorate and improving the transportation system. He also suggested relocation of medical centers for expatriates, far from modern cities to reduce traffic congestion; taking into consideration that about 3,000 vehicles frequent these centers daily.
He called for improvement of public transportation to encourage more people to use public transport and enable them to process transactions without going to the headquarters of the concerned ministries.
Congestion
On the notion that the growing number of expatriates is the cause of traffic congestion, Otul lamented about mixing cards regarding this issue. He asserted, “The expatriates have nothing to do with traffic congestion, as the main issue is lack of organization. People engaged in certain jobs do not need a driving license. I remember when Dubai opened its metro service in 2009, the concerned authority there suspended renewal of driving licenses for persons engaged in about 100 jobs.”
On metro tunnels as a successful way of ending traffic congestion, Al-Otul agreed, adding this solution should be part of a comprehensive system involving other means of public transportation to serve its purpose. Talking about the government’s assessment and solution, Al-Otul affirmed the government has started constructing roads; but these roads have no lanes for group transportation, contrary to what other countries have done.
Commenting on the suggestion to change work timings in the government sector as a way of addressing the traffic problem, Al-Otul explained the issue is not about timings; it is about organization. “If we look at any area in the country, we will find that all facilities are in the same place like clinics which are near schools and cooperative societies so these areas experience traffic congestion most of the time.”
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