Dibba-Masafi road claims two more lives

Two UAE nationals were killed in an accident on the Dibba-Masafi road known as the Death Road, even as maintenance work is under way.

The Ministry of Public Works and Housing started the Dh50 million restoration project after it received hundreds of complaints from residents and local authorities in Fujairah and Dibba about the number of accidents on the treacherous road that has claimed scores of lives.

Mattar Saleh Al Kaabi, Director of the Dibba Al Fujairah Muni-cipality, praised the Ministry of Public Works and Housing's efforts, but stressed more needs to be done. He said: "The Dibba-Masafi Road does not need maintenance. It needs another road with a dual carriageway.

"Maintenance will not help check accidents because of its mountainous structure. The road has sharp bends which are very dangerous because motorists cannot see vehicles coming from the opposite direction."

He pointed out that the concrete barriers, which were recently constructed by the Ministry at some dangerous spots, are useful.

"The 39-km Dibba-Masafi road, built more than 12 years ago with one carriageway, is still strong because of the tough mountainous structure of the land. The road was helpful for residents of Dibba and Masafi as there were not too many vehicles then. But today it is no longer safe due to the increasing number of vehicles. The road also has no lighting."

Latest statistics issued by Fujairah Traffic Police Department said 231 accidents occurred last year, an average of 20 per month. Sixteen people lost their lives. Two UAE nationals died in a crash 10 days ago.

The road is narrow, and accidents usually occur when motorists try to overtake one another.

Lanes were painted and reflectors were installed in the first phase of the maintenance project. The road was even layered with concrete.

The second stage, which is more important, will include construction of a dual carriageway in some parts and installation of lamp posts. They will be installed along a 3-km stretch starting from from Masafi roundabout, running to the north, and along a 6.6-km stretch, from Dibba roundabout to the cement factory. The third and final stage will include construction of a dual carriageway along the whole road.

"The ongoing project of constructing a dual carriageway road connecting Dibba, Al Tawiyeen and Odhun, covering a distance of 29.5km, will help ease traffic pressure as more than 75 per cent of motorists are expected to use the new road," said Al Kaabi.

The road will also help the people living in Ras Al Khaimah to travel towards Dibba and Khor Fakkan.