Reactions are mixed over the Ministry of Transportation's decision to keep Al-Hada road to Taif closed this summer. The announcement by the ministry said: “The Ministry of Transportation is keen to ensure the safety of drivers on all roads and particularly on Al-Hada road. The ministry apologizes to all citizens and expatriates that Al-Hada road cannot be opened this summer.” Earlier this year the ministry had formed a committee of Italian engineers who studied the road and gave their report. It was then collectively decided that the road was neither ready nor safe for public use. The SR218m expansion project of Al-Hada road is expected to finish in 36 months. Hence drivers have to now use the longer Al-Sail highway to reach Taif. Some of the regular travelers to Taif expressed to Saudi Gazette their reactions. “I'm extremely upset,” said Adel Abdulaziz, an Army soldier. “They had told us earlier that they would open the road at the end of students' examinations, then they told us they would open it at the beginning of the summer vacation. I drive over 320 km to Al-Hada area in Taif every day from Makkah. It is affecting my health and my car too.” Ibrahim Hajaji, a technician at one of the Taif military units said, “I heard the road is scattered with construction material and trucks so the decision is justified. It is better they finish it completely before opening it for public use.” Gas stations, shops and restaurants on Al-Hada road are in a financial crunch. Their owners are waiting desperately for the road to open. Meanwhile, their counterparts on Al-Sail road are pleased and welcomed the decision. __
