Metal fence erected to curb increasing road deaths

The municipality yesterday completed erecting a metal fence on either side of the Shamal-Khor Khowair Street to prevent stray animals from entering the road.

According to the municiplaity, the fence will curb the number of fatalities taking place on the road every year because of stray animals in the area.

Municipal officials said a study was recently conducted in coordination with the Traffic and Licensing Department, which revealed that stray animals and the increasing number of heavy vehicles were the cause of the rising number of accidents.

In fact, 35 per cent of accidents in Ras Al Khaimah is caused due to stray animals. The 8-km fence stretches from Khor Khowair Industrial area towards Al Rams and Shamal.

The fence has been erected under the directives of Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ras Al Khaimah Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler, who issued strict orders to the authorities to curb accidents on the street.

Officials said serious accidents occur on the street, which is the only link between Ras Al Khaimah city and Al Nakheel, Shamal, Al Rams, Ghaleelah, Al Jeer and Khor Khowair.

The officials called on the people not to destroy the fence. Offenders will be severely punished.

Meanwhile, Ibrahim Al Wahabi, Head of the Facilities and Roads Department at the Ministry of Public Works and Housing, said the ministry has a plan to replace Shamal-Khor Khowair Street.