Oman- Subways: A sad story of public neglect

5/8/2016 6:16:44 AM

(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) Muscat-

Neglected dirty dark and smelly these words describe some of the city's subways telling a tale of total disregard for a shared public utility.

The underground passageways intended to help pedestrians safely and quickly get across busy roads avoiding heavy traffic are failing to serve their purpose mainly because some members of the public think these facilities are nothing more but dumping grounds or toilets. Pests tobacco stains plastic bags cigarette butts household discard are fixtures at some subways complain users.

Moss-lined corners darkness stones and litter. That is the Muttrah subway. Bobby Kumar an expat living and working in Muttrah says he has stopped using this subway. 'It's dark deserted dirty and stinks. People come here to answer nature's call.' Kumar says he prefers crossing the road than go through the subway.

Similar is the story of the Ghubra subway a vital one if one looks at the traffic load on the thoroughfare above. 'It's filthy all the time.

Women avoid using it because it has no lights. And when it rains users have to wade through slush and garbage' says Abdul who uses it every day and who even claims to have come across reptiles there. 'This subway is strategically located as the nearest zebra crossing or foot overbridge is almost 5km away. Hence it is a vital one but in a bad shape. The cement on the flooring too has come off exposing iron bars.'

This however cannot be said of all the subways. The ones on Rex Road and in Al Khuwayr are among the cleanest with only minor problems.

A lady who uses the Al Khuwayr subway regularly says 'Barring some odd smells this one is very clean compared to some other subways I have used. It is not dark or deserted' she says adding that this subway gives her the convenience of getting across the busy road without having to walk till the pedestrian overbridge.'

With clean painted walls and proper paving the Rex Road subway too is well-maintained with the exception of non-functioning lights. However some like Shoaib feels that this subway does not see many users because the traffic here is not heavy and intersections are at close distances. 'So pedestrians do not have to walk long to cross from a zebra crossing' says the expat adding that if subways are in a bad shape most of the fault lies with people.

An official from Muscat Municipality said that it is aware of the issue and is working to improve the conditions.

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