Jahra Governor to Al-Siyasa: The upgraded Al-Abdali Road to open within days

Emphasizing the activation of the Governorate Council and its standing committees to monitor residents’ needs

Al-Muttala’a city and the development of main and internal roads top the priority list

The As-Saleel road project has reached its final stages, with implementation set to begin soon

Continued development of roads in Al-Abdali’s agricultural areas and support for farmers

Transforming parks and green spaces into more active and sustainable facilities

Supporting the participation of small business owners and productive families in public parks

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Proposal to establish a promenade behind the Jahra Central Exchange to support community and sports events

Jahra Governorate is placing road networks, new districts, and public services at the forefront of its priorities for the coming phase, with a particular focus on Al-Muttala’a city, the development of the road network, and support for agricultural areas. This is being done in parallel with activating the role of the Governorate Council and its committees in monitoring residents’ needs and coordinating with government entities.

Jahra Governorate’s Governor, Hamad Al-Habashi, stated in an interview with “Al-Siyasa” that efforts are concentrated on field follow-up and accelerating the resolution of issues, alongside completing several service and development projects that directly affect the lives of citizens and residents.

Below is the text of the interview:

Activation of the Governorate Council

What are the most significant achievements realized in Jahra Governorate recently?

We first began by developing work mechanisms within the Governorate’s headquarters, aiming to enhance the efficiency of follow-up and activate the headquarters’ duties in a more organized and effective manner. Work pathways were organized, and clear mechanisms were established for identifying, documenting, referring, and following up on observations. In this context, a field monitoring team and a complaints management and follow-up team were formed, linking administrative work with field realities and citizens’ feedback.

Subsequently, we moved to activate the role of the Jahra Governorate Council by establishing its standing committees: the General Services Committee, the Security Affairs Committee, the Health, Education, and Community Development Committee, and the Complaints and Proposals Committee. These committees have begun fulfilling their roles in studying the governorate’s needs, monitoring projects, services, and observations, submitting recommendations, and following up on their implementation.

Work has also expanded to include monitoring various files and initiatives at the governorate level, whether related to roads, infrastructure, facilities, and new districts, or initiatives targeting youth, as well as community, cultural, volunteer, and environmental initiatives, in cooperation with government entities, public benefit associations, and the private sector.

On the environmental front, an environmental sustainability team was formed within the governorate to monitor environmental aspects and indicators in coordination with the General Environment Authority and relevant entities, and to support awareness programs and initiatives that promote sustainability and environmental responsibility.

These mechanisms have contributed to activating several files and addressing many observations within the governorate’s jurisdiction. Issues falling under the purview of ministries and government entities are handled through the representatives of those entities in the Governorate Council and its standing committees, enabling direct coordination, clarifying responsibilities, and following up on procedures to address challenges and reach better solutions that serve the governorate and its residents.

Infrastructure

What about the files that have seen progress in the governorate, such as infrastructure, public services, and roads?

The roads and infrastructure file has seen progress in the follow-up mechanism, in coordination with the relevant authorities. This follow-up has encompassed the maintenance of internal roads, the development of main roads, and the assessment of entry and exit points in the Al-Jahra and Al-Mutlaa districts, as well as the As-Saleem road and a number of sites requiring reassessment from traffic and engineering perspectives. The follow-up has also extended to the agricultural areas of Al-Abdali, through coordination to develop and enhance the efficiency of roads to serve farmers and production activities, in parallel with addressing the treated water file and ensuring its more regular delivery to farms. The Governorate Council is also following up on the comprehensive maintenance plans for road networks within the annual plans of the competent authorities. The role of the Governorate is to determine priorities through field monitoring, citizen feedback, and infrastructure projects, and to track each file until it enters the study or implementation phase with the competent authority, while verifying that observations are addressed and not merely addressed through correspondence.

Al-Abdali... Opening within days

What is the status of the Al-Abdali road development project?

The development project for the Al-Abdali road, extending from kilometer 10 to kilometer 34, has been completed. The road will be officially opened within days, in coordination with the relevant authorities.

Road Maintenance

What is the status of the ongoing maintenance and repair works on Road 80 opposite the fuel station and on the Sixth Ring Road?

The ongoing works are being carried out by the competent authorities as part of maintenance and development programs. The Governorate is monitoring their progress, given the direct impact these sites have on citizen mobility and connectivity between areas in Al-Jahra. Traffic-related observations concerning the Sixth Ring Road and its connecting roads have been discussed with the Ministry of Public Works and the General Directorate of Traffic, with an emphasis on enhancing safety levels and minimizing the impact of the works on traffic flow as much as possible. We are committed to monitoring completion rates and any issues arising during implementation, and reporting them to the competent authority for resolution, while ensuring the quality of the works and their timely completion in accordance with the approved schedule.

Service Assessment

How do you assess the level of services provided to citizens and residents in the Al-Jahra districts?

Based on realistic assessments from the specialized teams in the Governorate and citizen feedback, the level of services is good and has shown tangible improvement in several areas. However, there are still needs that require further work, particularly in Al-Mutlaa city, agricultural areas, and regions experiencing population and urban expansion. Our assessment now relies on three interconnected sources: findings from the field monitoring team, complaints received by the Complaints Management and Follow-up team via the "Sahl" app and direct reception, and information presented by government entities in meetings of the Governorate Council and its committees. This provides a more accurate picture of service levels and the challenges requiring attention. Our standard in the Governorate is the speed of response, the quality of resolution, and verification that the issue has been closed. Therefore, we see progress in several areas, but we do not deny the persistence of some challenges, which we are tracking according to their priority and direct impact on the residents of the Governorate.

Ongoing Government Coordination

What is the status of coordination between the Governorate and the state's ministries and institutions?

Government coordination is the core of the Governorate’s work. It has become a continuous process through the Governorate Council and its standing committees, coordination meetings, working groups, and field visits. We are committed to coordinating with relevant entities, defining each entity’s responsibilities, and establishing a clear follow-up pathway to ensure tangible results on the ground.

Examples of this coordination include working with the Ministry of Education, the General Directorate of Traffic, and the General Public Authority for Housing Provision regarding Al-Mutlaa schools and their entrances and exits, as well as with the Ministry of Public Works on road infrastructure. Coordination has also been established with the General Authority for Agricultural Affairs and Fisheries on treated water, the development of public parks, and creating opportunities for small business owners and productive families. Additionally, we have coordinated with the General Directorate of Traffic to manage traffic flow in front of the new Al-Jahra Hospital.

There is also coordination with the Coast Guard and other relevant bodies to designate a site for inspecting marine vessels at the Citizen Service Center in Al-Qasr district. This coordination extends to cultural, environmental, and community aspects, involving the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters, the General Authority for the Environment, public benefit associations, and the private sector.

These files underscore that the Governorate’s role is to take the initiative, consolidate efforts, coordinate, and follow up, while reliance and implementation remain the responsibility of the competent authority.

Al-Mutlaa at the Forefront of Priorities

What are the top priorities for Al-Jahra Governorate in the coming phase?

Our top priority is to solidify practical follow-up. This means transitioning every file from monitoring and correspondence to defining specific actions, responsibilities, and timelines, followed by verifying completion and closing the observation. The field monitoring team and the complaints management and follow-up team will continue to support this approach, alongside the Governorate Council and its committees.

The city of Al-Mutlaa and new districts are at the forefront of our priorities, encompassing roads, entrances and exits, schools, water, cleanliness, facilities, and community services. This includes following up on the As-Saleel Road and roads linked to the new districts.

The agricultural sector also receives priority through the development of roads in Al-Abdali, addressing challenges related to treated water, and supporting productive farmers.

Among our other priorities are the development of parks, pedestrian walkways, and green spaces, and transforming public parks into more active and sustainable facilities by organizing the participation of small business owners and productive families, in coordination with the Agricultural Authority and other relevant bodies. This is alongside implementing the Al-Jahra Sustainable Governorate initiative and enhancing environmental awareness.

We will continue to support youth and expand cultural, social, and sports events, and develop the Al-Jahra Cultural Season, carnivals, and community initiatives, in partnership with government entities, public benefit associations, and the private sector.

New Projects

What new projects will be launched or completed in the coming period?

A number of projects and files are being finalized in coordination with the competent authorities. Foremost among these are the As-Saleel Road and the roads and entrances linked to Al-Mutlaa, maintenance and development works on the main and internal road network, the development of roads in the agricultural areas of Al-Abdali, and addressing the treated water file to serve farmers and ensure production sustainability.

We will also work to complete the procedures related to plans for parks and open facilities, including organizing investment and participation in public parks by small business owners and productive families.

There is also a proposal to establish a sports and recreational promenade in the area surrounding the land behind the Al-Jahra Central Exchange and the Al-Jahra National Park, alongside proposals submitted to build pedestrian overpasses to alleviate traffic congestion and to construct footbridges at several locations. The upcoming phase includes completing the governorate’s health and environmental sustainability programs, as well as continuing cultural seasons, carnivals, and youth and community events. We emphasize that the governorate takes the initiative, proposes, coordinates, and follows up; however, the approval, funding, and implementation of projects remain the responsibility of the relevant government entities.

Comprehensive Plan

Is there a plan to develop facilities and services in the new areas of the governorate?

Yes. Al-Mutlaa is among the top new areas we are monitoring through a comprehensive plan that is not limited to a single file. The work addresses all challenges and needs related to schools, roads, entrances and exits, water, cleanliness, lighting, mosques, youth facilities, and community services. We are also following up on the need for additional youth sites in the new areas, particularly Al-Mutlaa, and these requirements have been submitted to the competent authorities.

Development and Revitalization

Are there plans to enhance green spaces, parks, and recreational facilities?

Yes. This file is a fundamental part of improving quality of life. We have coordinated with the General Authority for Agricultural Affairs and Fisheries to explore the development of public parks and to open organized opportunities for small business owners and productive families to invest and participate, thereby contributing to revitalizing the parks, improving their services, and making them attractive and sustainable facilities for families. The governorate has also supported tree-planting and beautification initiatives in cooperation with relevant entities and civil society organizations. Proposals have been prepared for the establishment and maintenance of parks and pedestrian walkways, including a proposed sports and recreational promenade in the area surrounding the land behind the Al-Jahra Central Exchange, following the acquisition of approvals from the competent authorities. This complements the governorate’s initiative and coordination with the General Environment Authority on environmental and awareness aspects. Our goal is for tree-planting and environmental events not to be seasonal, but rather part of a continuous plan that meets the needs of each area.

Youth and Sports

What is your plan to develop services provided to youth, sports, and community activities?

Children and youth are a central focus of the governorate’s and its council’s work. Our plan is based on two tracks: first, monitoring their needs for sports and youth facilities; and second, expanding their participation in cultural, volunteer, and community activities. The need for additional youth sites in the new areas, particularly Al-Mutlaa, has been assessed and submitted to the competent authorities. At the program level, the Al-Jahra Cultural Season, carnivals, and student, national, and volunteer events have contributed to providing spaces for participation, learning, and showcasing talents. We also strive to involve schools, students, and volunteers in events, and to strengthen initiatives that instill responsibility, belonging, and teamwork. We will continue to cooperate with government entities, public benefit associations, and the private sector to support sports, cultural, and social programs aimed at youth, empower entrepreneurs and small business owners, and link activities to open facilities and parks so that they remain available to families and youth throughout the year.

Complaints and Proposals

How can citizens convey their observations or proposals to the governorate?

The Governorate’s doors are open to all, and we continuously listen to opinions, suggestions, and concerns. Citizens can submit complaints or proposals through the services available in the “Sahel” app or via direct reception at the Governorate’s headquarters. A dedicated team has been formed to manage and follow up on complaints, ensuring a specific entity is responsible for receiving, sorting, categorizing, and tracking them. If a concern falls outside the Governorate’s jurisdiction, it is directed to the appropriate channel. If it falls within the purview of a government entity, that entity is contacted, and its response and subsequent actions are monitored. Important or recurring issues are referred to the relevant committee within the Governorate Council. When necessary, the field monitoring team is tasked with conducting inspections, documenting findings with photographs, and verifying that corrective measures have been implemented. Periodic reports are also prepared, detailing the number and types of complaints, the relevant entities involved, and the status of each case—whether resolved, referred, or still under follow-up. Our goal is to ensure citizens know that their concerns are not merely recorded but enter a clear, trackable process until they are fully resolved.

We view the Governorate Council and its committees, which include representatives from state ministries and institutions, as a mini-cabinet that facilitates the discussion of shared issues, addresses problems, and works to enhance and develop services across all areas of the Governorate.

Al-Saleel in its final stages

Regarding the Al-Saleel road, what stage has this project reached?

The Al-Saleel–Al-Jahra–Al-Mutlaa road is one of the strategic projects we are closely monitoring, given its importance in providing an additional axis that serves Al-Mutlaa city, alleviates pressure on current entry points, and supports the Governorate’s road network. To be precise, the project’s study was prepared by the competent authority and submitted to the relevant state entities. The Governorate is currently following up on the technical and administrative procedures being undertaken in coordination with the competent authorities. It should be noted that the project is in its final stages before implementation begins.

We will continue to monitor the process until all necessary requirements for the project are met. The scheduling of the tender or implementation will be announced by the competent government authority after the completion of studies, approvals, and prescribed procedures.

24 kilometers

The length of the developed section of Al-Abdali Road, between kilometers 10 and 34.

Standing committees

For general services, security affairs, health and education, community development, and complaints and suggestions.

Al-Mutlaa first

Roads, schools, water, sanitation, lighting, mosques, and youth facilities are among the top priorities for follow-up.

Al-Saleel

The project is in its final stages before implementation begins, pending the completion of technical and administrative procedures.

Acknowledgment and appreciation

Sincere thanks and appreciation to the management of the Al-Jahra Governor’s Office, retired Major Fahad Al-Miyah, and Lieutenant Walid Khalid Al-Saied, for their outstanding efforts, warm reception, and cooperation.