Khaberni - The Minister of Public Works and Housing, Maher Abu Samen, on Tuesday, conducted a field tour that included several sites affected by floods in the past two weeks in Al-Karak Governorate, to assess the extent of the damage and the measures taken to address it urgently and safely.
During the tour, the minister visited the Zarā’ culvert on the Karak - Al-Aghwar (Al-Kharza) road, where he listened to a detailed explanation from specialists about what happened, its causes, and the efforts that have been made since the early hours.
The ministry's teams immediately inspected the site and assessed the actual situation, and in coordination with the relevant authorities, conducted a partial precautionary road closure to maintain public safety. Traffic safety elements were also enhanced by placing concrete barriers, reflectors, spotlights, and lighting to alert road users.
The technical teams clarified that they have completed an urgent study to determine the required work according to the technical specifications, and coordinated with the direct contractor to start implementation. Currently, work is underway to reinforce the earth and extend the existing box culvert according to approved designs, ensuring its efficiency in rainwater drainage and preventing future damage.
Abu Samen also inspected the Al-Samar culvert, where public works crews are working to reinforce the road sides and shoulders with selected materials to ensure traffic safety. The teams are also carrying out operations to clear watercourse channels and dams in the area to ensure continuous drainage during the rainy season and prevent any water accumulations that could pose a risk to the infrastructure or citizens.
During the tour, Minister Abu Samen emphasized that the ministry is working "at its full capacity since the beginning of the weather situation to deal with the effects of the depressions, and respond immediately to any reports," noting that the radical treatment of the affected sites is a top priority for the ministry.
He said: "We operate according to well-studied engineering plans that ensure the durability of the infrastructure and its capacity to adapt to changing climatic conditions."
He added that the ministry's field teams "continue to work around the clock, especially in areas that experience water accumulations or deviations in drainage paths," directing to accelerate the pace of work at the sites of Zarā’ and Al-Samar, and continuously coordinate with municipalities and concerned authorities to ensure integrated efforts.
Abu Samen stressed that the ministry gives "top priority" to the safety of citizens and road users, confirming that all executed works comply with the highest technical and engineering standards, and that the monitoring teams will continue their field follow-ups to ensure the completion of the works according to the specified timelines.
