Saudi Arabia has undergone a massive transformation over the past several decades, but considering the money and resources allocated by the government to upgrade the infrastructure and quality of life, the country always seems to be falling short of the finish line.
Sandwiched between some genuine accomplishments, examples of failures are present everywhere. The major cities in the kingdom are still devoid of an effective potable water network that leaves many homes at the mercy of the arrival of a water tanker for their household needs. Similarly, the lack of a sewage disposal network has given rise to an army of sewage disposal tankers that run about the cities, carrying their foul-smelling load.
The road networks, while connecting many of the country’s towns and cities, are criticised by users for lack of public service facilities along the routes. The absence of adequate gas stations, convenience stores and rest rooms along highways makes longer journeys often a challenging test of endurance.
Public schools renting dilapidated buildings as institutions of learning have been severely criticised by parents over the years. While there has been some progress, parents feel it is not enough as many districts have yet to house their students in appropriate facilities.
Faced with such a scenario, many Saudis do not mince their words when it comes to evaluating present conditions. During a discussion that centred on the kingdom’s direction and progress, some Saudis expressed their views on the subject. A college professor said: “Now we are not talking about Malawi or Haiti here. Those countries are dirt poor with hardly any natural resources that could generate sustainable income. We are fortunate to be sitting on top of the world’s largest resources of oil — liquid gold, as it is refereed to. The government has been generous in its allocation towards improving the life of the kingdom’s residents. And yet, I often feel that we cannot even match Bangladesh in proper public service facilities.”
Another professor added: “The Shura council (Saudi Arabia’s consultative body) just laid it into the General authority of Civil Aviation — Saudi Arabia’s airport authorities. They have finally said in public what we have been saying in private all these years. Fix up our country’s major airports. They are pitiful! We are embarrassed by their poor facilities. Not only do these airports present a negative image to visitors, they are also a disgrace to the country’s residents who have to use them regularly. Enough money has been spent on them, but what have we got in return? Only empty promises every year!”
To that, a pilot had this to add: “I remember when a massive public announcement appeared on television and newspapers that Jeddah would have a completely refurbished airport by 2012. Yes, 2012. Then everything was quiet as the years slipped by, until the beginning of 2015 when the airports’ authorities announced that the refurbished airport would be open by the end of the year. It is now 2017 and the airport is yet to open. Bear in mind that during this time, Dubai has opened three new terminals and a completely new airport! If they can do it, why can’t we?”
A banking executive observed: “I remember Dubai when it was a fishing and trading village. The creek was all of Dubai. Dhow traders and gold merchants were all that there were. Even at the beginning of this century, there was not much to write home about. But look at them now. With fewer resources than us, they have surpassed every expectation and have presented themselves as an icon on the globe. How did it happen there, while we missed it? They don’t entertain excuses, I believe. We are novel in blaming everything for our failure in completing projects on time. Major projects just remain frozen in time.”
An automobile dealer interjected: “You are right. Just yesterday, I read that the chairman of the Public Transport Authority and the Saudi Railways Organisation said that the train line linking the two holy cities of Makkah and Madinah would be operational by 2018. But what happened to 2015, the year the minister of transport had proclaimed would mark the start of the train service between the cities? What happened to 2016 or 2017 for that matter? Our officials just talk and hope we will soon forget what they had said. Dubai, meanwhile, has built a network of commuter trains and is planning to add to existing lines. Look how efficient they are at getting projects completed in time.”
With Vision 2030 in mind, there is no question that the kingdom’s approach to clearing out a massive backlog of unfinished projects must be accounted for. In the process, perhaps the direction and will of those executing these projects will also be called into question as a considerable amount of time has gone by with very little to show for it.
In spite of generous government support towards some of the projects, Saudi Arabia still seems to be falling short. Maybe it is time to borrow Dubai’s playbook and study the emirate’s steps.
Tariq A. Al Maeena is a Saudi socio-political commentator. He lives in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. You can follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/@talmaeena
