DHAMAD — People of Shuqairy, a township southeast of Dhamad in the Jazan region, have called upon authorities to construct asphalted roads to protect them from torrential floods and establish a public hospital to improve health services. Mohammed Abdu Shubaili said residents were depending on pathways made of sand to reach nearby villages. "Torrential floods will sweep away these pathways during heavy rains," he added. Hussain Fawaz spoke about another issue. "We need the Shariah Court to be reinstated in Shuqairy because people have to walk long distance to reach the present court," he told Okaz/Saudi Gazette. Sheikh Yahya emphasized the need to protect Shuqairy from floods, which have eaten away parts of the township. "We have called for setting up a dam to reduce the impact of floods." A number of committees have visited Shuqairy, he said adding that panel members were convinced about the dangerous situation of residents during heavy rains. "We need a permanent solution," said Mohammed Bin Qawam, chief of Bani Abs tribe. Ibrahim Khawaji highlighted another important issue facing Shuqairy people. "A Civil Defense fire-fighting team should be stationed in the township to protect citizens from blazes. A number of fires have occurred in Shuqairy causing human and material losses," he added. Other important services required by people of Shuqairy include a hospital, improvement of facilities at the existing health center and development of the municipality's cleaning services. "We are not happy with the municipality's services. You can see waste piling up in various parts of the township spreading bad smell and polluting environment," said Fawaz. Hussein Ameesh complained about disruption of water supply. Ameesh also referred to shortage of medical staff including doctors at the primary health center in Shuqairy. "Now people have to depend on private hospitals and polyclinics due to lack of specialized treatment at the center," he explained. Ali Abdu Jubaili, chief administrative officer in Shuqairy, emphasized the need to protect the township from flash floods that often isolate it from nearby villages. "Wadi Balaj floods hit homes of residents, who will be besieged by water 24 hours," he said while commending efforts of municipality and civil defense to rescue trapped residents. Floods in the past have destroyed bridges and roads linking Mashouf and Aidabi villages. Ali Abutaleb, chief of Al-Shaml tribe, thanked the government for implementing a number of development projects in Shuqairy. "There are about 40 villages under Shuqairy and its population has now crossed 30,000," he said. He called for repairing roads damaged by telecom, electricity and other service companies.
