Muscat – The General Secretariat of the Tender Board has commissioned the design and execution of the second phase of the road connecting Wadi Bani Jaber to the wilayat of Sur in South Sharqiyah governorate.

Valued at over RO4mn, this expansion aims to enhance access to one of South Sharqiyah’s most scenic tourist destinations, Wadi Bani Jaber.

Eng Youssef Abdullah al Mujaini, Director of the Road Construction Department at the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, said that the upcoming 6km stretch will seamlessly join the already established first phase.

Initiation is anticipated this year, with an estimated completion time of one year.

Mujaini highlighted the project’s dual significance – one being economic and the other service-oriented. Through improved road infrastructure, access to vital community hubs like health centres, schools, and other services will become significantly more convenient.

The new road promises to bolster tourism while tackling some existing challenges, such as the uneven terrain that demands substantial cutting and filling, Mujaini adds.

Abdullah al Jabri, a Wadi Bani Jaber resident, echoed Mujaini’s sentiments, emphasising the community’s excitement. “This second phase will alleviate many transportation concerns, especially during inclement weather. It’s not just about convenience; it’s a lifeline that links us, fuels trade, and bridges communities,” Jabri stated.

The Ministry of Transport recently completed the first phase of the project, which introduced a 16.7km long two-lane road. Each lane is 3.5m in width with 1.5m shoulders on either side.

Features include 34 box ferries of varying sizes and a 160m long arched iron bridge to ensure uninterrupted traffic flow. This stretch provides a crucial link between Wadi al Manqal and Bani Jaber in the wilayat of Sur, serving numerous neighbouring villages.