During the visit to assess the completion of the subproject #5 Al-Muares – Al-Bajeelah, RAP had the opportunity to meet Khader Abkar, a resident of Katif Harbah village, one of the villages benefiting from the subproject in Wadi Mur, Az Zuhra District. Khader expressed his profound gratitude for the positive changes in his life and the lives of his fellow villagers. According to Khader, the subproject had a significant impact by breaking the isolation they experienced, particularly during heavy rainfall when the accumulation of rainwater and floods would cut them off from the surrounding areas.
Previously, they would remain isolated for two or three months or more until the ground dry up, the floods subside, and the impassable ponds dry, or they were compelled to navigate through challenging, distant, and costly routes.
However, after the implementation of the road, culverts, and water drainage system, they could now leave their houses to reach the basic services (schools, Health facilities and markets) even during torrential rains. Abkar shared his experiences, stating, "The road used to be rugged, and torrential rains and floods would interrupt the road for two, three, or even four months. We also faced the difficulties of using alternative routes, which involved walking long distances of 9, 10, or maybe 12 kilometers, incurring higher costs, and encountering numerous challenges.
However, since the road was constructed, our lives have been transformed. Thank God, we now enjoy better and more comfortable lives." He continued, "I remember a time before the road was built when I had to carry food supplies for my family, and the floods made the road impassable, so I had no choice but to sleep outside the village. The next morning, my brother had to travel 10 kilometers to reach me, and then we had to take a longer route back to the village." He further explained, "We endured the hardships of torrential rains and floods, which were truly tragic. This road is truly a blessing from God! Now, we can easily transport food supplies within just 5 minutes, with costs reduced by over 60%. Even patients from our village can now access the main road in the shortest time and at the lowest cost, sometimes even for free.