a day ago
Counting screens enhance transparency of projects
Siham al Saidi
Suhar, Aug 13
At construction sites across the Al Batinah North Governorate, a quiet but powerful change is catching the public's eye with large digital screens counting down the days until a project's completion.
These are not just timers. In fact, they are bold statements of accountability, turning every passerby into a stakeholder.
In a first-of-its-kind government initiative in the region, digital counters at all major public projects were introduced, following the direct vision and instructions of the Governor. The goal is to make progress visible, deadlines undeniable and safety measurable.
Engineer Waleed al Nabhani, the Director of the Projects Department at Al Batinah North Municipaliaty, explained that each display is divided into two distinct sections. "The first shows a live countdown to the expected completion date. When the timer hits zero, the project's status is revealed instantly. If the work is finished on time, the counter confirms success but if not, the display turns red, signalling a missed deadline", he said.
Engineer Waleed al Nabhani
'This is an honest mirror for us as project managers. It challenges our teams to deliver on time while giving the public the right to hold us accountable. It's about credibility, trust and a shared commitment to results", he added.
The first project to feature this technology is the Liwa Entrance Project, a landmark development valued at RO 2.1 million. It includes landscaped green areas, pedestrian and cycling paths, parking spaces and distinctive architectural landmarks, serving as both a gateway and a welcoming statement for the wilayat.
The second section of the display highlights safety performance by showing the number of hours worked without a Lost Time Injury (LTI). This internationally recognised metric underscores the project's compliance with occupational safety standards and its commitment to worker welfare.
The dual display concept blends transparency with quality assurance. It allows citizens to see, not just hear about how well projects are advancing, while also reinforcing a safety first culture.
As these screens light up construction sites across the governorate, they are more than digital devices which stands as symbols of a new era in public works management, one where transparency isn't promised but it's displayed.
