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Saba Yemen
a day ago
- Business
- Saba Yemen
More than 12 billion YER cost of road maintenance in 2024: Report
Sana'a - Saba: While maintenance of all kinds (periodic, routine, and emergency) has always been crucial for preserving our road and bridge network and ensuring its continued service to citizens, it has become a significant challenge. The decade-long aggression and blockade on Yemen, with their severe economic consequences, have drastically reduced the funds allocated for road maintenance. Maintaining the road and bridge network through periodic, routine, and emergency repairs remains essential for its functionality and for serving the public. However, the ten years of ongoing aggression and blockade against Yemen have placed a heavy strain on this vital task, as the resulting economic crisis has severely limited the resources available for road maintenance. The issue of road maintenance represents one of the big and difficult tasks facing the state and the government, and is carried out by the General Organization for roads and bridges, with the road maintenance fund as a main backer and supporter of its continuous efforts in conducting emergency treatments of the road network in order to preserve it and prevent it from reaching the stage where it is difficult to carry out any treatments because then it requires re-establishment of large sums that cannot be provided under current conditions with the continuation of the forces of aggression and mercenaries plundering the wealth and capabilities of the country that used to cover the bulk of the public budget. The General Directorate of maintenance at the General Organization for roads is responsible for performing this vital task, which has been facing many difficulties since the beginning of the aggression on Yemen and the consequent significant decline in financial allocations that were allocated for periodic maintenance of roads, which contribute to prolonging their life span. In an interview with the Yemeni news agency (Saba), the chairman of the board of Directors of the General Organization for roads and bridges, engineer Abdulrahman al-Hadrami, explained that since 2015, public revenues have declined very significantly as a result of the aggression and siege, so the funds allocated for periodic maintenance of roads have declined, which led to the aggravation of the damage, which posed a real threat to the network and almost brought it to a total collapse service. Ambulatory solutions The head of the foundation stressed that as a result of the decline in financial allocations for maintenance due to the aggression and siege, the foundation was forced to reduce the asphalt layers during maintenance to reach one centimeter most of the time, after reaching five centimeters during the past periods, in order for the institution to be able to address roughness in the greatest possible way, as emergency solutions lasting for about three to four years, and thus preserve what can be maintained until conditions improve and sufficient allocations return to implement asphalt layers lasting for long periods. He pointed out that as a result of the scarcity of financial resources allocated for maintenance, the work was limited to routine and emergency maintenance, which was not feasible without the implementation of periodic maintenance, so it was necessary to search for alternative solutions and treatments represented in the implementation of additional asphalt layers ranging from 2 centimeters to 5 millimeters depending on the roughness of the road, which contributed to reducing the depletion of funds for frequent maintenance of the road. According to engineer al-Hadrami, the majority of roads have entered the rehabilitation phase, which requires large sums that are difficult to provide in the current situation, but the necessary and appropriate treatments are being implemented to preserve them according to the available capabilities and resources to ensure their continued readiness, the comfort of road users and reduce accidents and vehicle consumption. He appreciated the attention paid by the revolutionary leadership, the chairman of the Supreme Political Council, and the government, represented by the leadership of the Ministry of transport and public works, in following up and supporting the efforts of the foundation and the fund to preserve roads, especially the main one, the link between the provinces. Maintenance work in 2024 Last year, 2024 witnessed a significant movement in road maintenance works at the level of all branches and maintenance centers, the implementation of asphalt repairs to the main road network, as well as ferry clearance works and water drains for the majority of roads. In this regard, the director of the general maintenance department at the institution, Badi, explained that the total cost of road maintenance works during the past year amounted to 12 billion and 73 million YER. He stated that the Road Maintenance Fund provided 11 billion and 666 million YER. Additionally, the Capital Sana'as local authority funded work amounting to 224 million YER, the Sana'a governorate's local authority contributed 147 million YER, and community contributions totaled approximately 36 million YER. He stated that the asphalt mixture used in maintenance work during 2024 reached 60,128 tons, in addition to 4,480 tons of liquid asphalt. New Equipment Worth One Billion YER The leadership of the General Corporation for Roads and Bridges is keen to continue its program to purchase new equipment across its main general departments, including the General Department of Maintenance, which represents the beating heart of the corporation, given its pivotal role in implementing maintenance projects and works that ensure road readiness and continuous traffic flow. In this context, the Director General of Maintenance stated that his department was able to purchase new equipment worth more than 1.051 billion YER last year. This equipment included two Cater 950 bulldozers, two double asphalt compactors, five Cater backhoe loaders, a Vogel 3-1800 asphalt spreader, an asphalt mixer, an asphalt cutting saw, a tree trimmer, four Phoenix cranes, a mobile caravan, two cement mixers, and five compressors. Equipment Repair Engineer Badi confirmed that in addition to carrying out road maintenance and repair work, the General Maintenance Department continued its equipment and crane repair programs at the corporation's branches and maintenance centers across the governorates. These programs culminated in the repair of many of these pieces of equipment and machinery at a cost of 218.9 million YER, while the cost of crane repairs amounted to approximately 40 million YER. The kiosks are defined as the locations or sites used by the organization as headquarters for its equipment and housing for its engineers and workers, in addition to carrying out administrative work for all branches and maintenance centers in the governorates. As part of its plan for the current year, the General Maintenance Department seeks to implement renovations to the kiosks of the branches and maintenance centers at a cost of 80 million YER. This is based on the importance of these kiosks in developing and improving performance and accelerating the completion of various projects and works implemented in various governorates. As part of the plan, the Maintenance Department also seeks to provide 500 tons of asphalt as a reserve stock, at a cost of 180 million YER, as well as 300,000 liters of diesel at a value of 140 million YER. It also seeks to purchase spare parts and tires for new equipment (buckets, Bobcats, and dump trucks) at a value of 50 million YER, and to repair equipment in the branches and maintenance centers at a cost of approximately 80 million YER. Whatsapp Telegram Email Print more of (Reports)
Arabian Business
20-05-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
World's largest visa application opens in Dubai with 10,000-per-day capacity
The world's largest visa application facility has opened in Dubai and is capable of handling 10,000 visa applications a day. VFS Global launched its flagship Visa Application Centre in Wafi City, marking the opening of the largest visa application facility in the world. At nearly 150,000sq ft, the centre is equipped to handle up to 10,000 visa applications daily, a capacity that stands as the highest for any single location, and is supported by a skilled and diverse team of over 400 trained professionals from more than 25 nationalities. Dubai visa application centre Helal Saeed Almarri, Director-General of the Department of Economy and Tourism said: 'This milestone is more than an infrastructure achievement, it reflects the strategic direction Dubai is taking to enhance global mobility, unlock access to opportunity, and accelerate growth across our visitor and business economy. 'As we advance the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, strengthening seamless access to and from Dubai remains a priority. 'Visa facilitation is a key enabler of talent attraction, tourism development, and international partnerships, all essential levers of our strategy to position Dubai as the world's most connected and future-ready city.' Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director-General of the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs, said: 'Today, we witnessed the inauguration of a new milestone in the journey of excellence pursued by the UAE in general and Dubai in particular, with the opening of the world's largest Visa Application Centre, located in the heart of Dubai, a city that continuously redefines innovation. 'This achievement embodies a true reflection of the directives of our wise leadership towards strengthening the nation's position as a global hub for smart services and establishing a unique model for delivering government services with high efficiency and quality.' Zubin Karkaria, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of VFS Global Group, said: 'Operating in the UAE since 2004, our journey has been defined by our unwavering commitment and a deep-rooted connection with this dynamic nation and its visionary leadership. 'In these two decades, we have witnessed the spectacular growth and development of the UAE to become a preeminent global hub of business, thought leadership, technology development and innovation. 'In line with the rapid development of Dubai, today we are pleased to launch the world's largest Visa Application Centre, serving over 200 nationalities.'
LBCI
16-05-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
Lebanese Civil Defense escalates preparedness before municipal elections
The General Directorate of Civil Defense issued a statement announcing that, as part of efforts to ensure the safety of voters during the third phase of municipal and local elections—scheduled for Sunday, May 18, 2025, in the governorates of Beirut, Bekaa, and Baalbek-Hermel—all operational units have been placed on full alert. Acting on the instructions of Interior Minister Ahmad Hajjar, the acting Director General of Civil Defense, Brigadier General Nabil Farah, issued a directive putting all operational teams on 100% readiness starting at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 17, through 8:00 a.m. on Monday, May 19, to allow for immediate response to any emergency. Civil Defense teams and vehicles will be deployed on the ground starting 5:00 a.m. Sunday at key intersections and around polling stations across districts, in accordance with a detailed pre-established deployment plan. The joint field monitoring room, overseen by General Farah has also been reactivated to coordinate efforts between regions and all agencies supervising the elections, ensuring around-the-clock preparedness. The General Directorate reaffirmed its commitment to supporting this national milestone by safeguarding public safety. It called on citizens to cooperate and report any emergency by dialing 125 or contacting 70192693 for immediate assistance.
Emirates 24/7
14-05-2025
- Business
- Emirates 24/7
Ahmed bin Mohammed visits headquarters of General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs
- His Highness apprised of key strategic imperatives including the 360 Services Policy, service leadership initiatives, and adoption of AI applications Reinforcing the leadership's unwavering commitment to enhance government performance, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai, visited the headquarters of the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai. His Highness was welcomed by His Excellency Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai; Major General Obaid Muhair bin Suroor, Deputy Director General; and the Assistant Directors General. During the visit, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed was accompanied by His Excellency Abdulla Mohammed Al Basti, Secretary General of The Executive Council of Dubai. His Highness praised the efforts and achievements of the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs in facilitating procedures, enhancing the customer experience, and adopting the latest technologies, which embody Dubai's vision and elevate its standing as a model for futuristic cities. These efforts serve the goals of comprehensive development, further strengthening Dubai's, and the UAE's, global appeal as top destinations to live, work, and visit. His Highness was briefed on a range of institutional initiatives and development projects that reflect the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs' future-focused vision, aligned with the Government of Dubai's strategy to deliver smart, integrated, and human-centric services that meet global standards of excellence. Several strategic imperatives, including the 360 Services Policy, service leadership initiatives, adoption of AI applications and risk management systems, and internal auditing practices, were highlighted during the tour, in addition to institutional efforts at reputation-building, future foresight, employee wellbeing, and promoting sports within the workplace. His Highness Sheikh Ahmed also reviewed the key projects and practices that reflect the pioneering role of the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai in providing service models that enhance customer trust and contribute to the leadership of the emirate of Dubai and the UAE across various development indices. The visit comes as part of His Highness's ongoing efforts to monitor the performance of government entities, gain insight into their operations, and support their developmental projects – aligned with Dubai's vision for institutional integration and sustainable innovation. His Excellency Lt. General Al Marri expressed deep pride and appreciation about His Highness Sheikh Ahmed's visit. 'We were honoured by the visit of HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, which serves as a powerful source of inspiration and renews motivation to continue our mission of enhancing quality of life through advanced, human-centered smart services and initiatives. His Highness's field engagement with government entities strengthens an innovative work environment and reinforces the belief that institutional excellence in our nation is not a temporary goal, but a deeply rooted culture that promotes social stability and enhances quality of life.' His Excellency added: 'At the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai, we reaffirm our commitment to being active partners in safeguarding these national achievements by delivering high-quality services that improve individual wellbeing and elevate our country's global standing.' Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
Reuters
13-05-2025
- Reuters
France's Orano files lawsuit over staff detention in Niger
May 13 (Reuters) - French nuclear fuels company Orano said on Tuesday it had filed a lawsuit with the courts of the Republic of Niger over the "arbitrary arrest, illegal detention and unjust confiscation of property" involving its staff and assets in the country. Orano's mining director in Niger, Ibrahim Courmo, has reportedly been taken to headquarters of the country's external intelligence agency, the General Directorate of External Documentation and Surveillance. Orano has not received official information regarding Courmo's status, the company said.
