Syrian Regime Services Focus on Central Damascus, Outskirts Neglected

Arab World

January 11th, 9:39am

Damascus - Asharq Al-Awsat

Solar panels on top of a building in the Syrian capital, Damascus. (Reuters)

The Syrian government has been focusing on providing and improving services to neighborhoods at the heart of Damascus but have otherwise neglected the residents of the capital’s outskirts, where Syrians suffer the brunt of poor infrastructure. At a time when these areas are plunging into darkness because of power shortages, authorities in Damascus are announcing the installation of solar lighting devices in the streets of upscale neighborhoods weekly. Moreover, periodic maintenance services for rich neighborhoods included repaving many main streets, side roads, and boulevards, cleaning them daily, opening rain drains, and maintaining sidewalks when needed. Authorities are also exerting efforts to maintain the aesthetic and environmental aspects of these neighborhoods and regions. They ensure the close follow-up on the afforestation of public parks and green spaces, pruning trees, and general maintenance of gardens. Ignoring a national economic and fuel crisis that forced the government to shutdown for nine days, Damascus announced on Christmas eve that it will renovate the Sabaa Bahrat Square, a large and important square where many important official buildings and ministries are located. Authorities said they planned to make the square “more beautiful” with an innovative cultural perspective. The governorate’s decision sparked resentment and ridicule from some Syrians on social media. Many argued that the design of the square was originally beautiful and that its renovation is not a priority in a city shrouded in darkness and where residents struggle to meet life’s basic needs. Touring several neighborhoods around the capital, Asharq Al-Awsat’s correspondent noticed that main and secondary streets and boulevards are drowning in mud due to the blockage of sewage openings and rain drains. Sidewalks were submerged and partially destroyed by heavy downpour as well. Also, trash and waste overflowed in containers on the streets.

from Asharq AL-awsat https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/4092071/syrian-regime-services-focus-central-damascus-outskirts-neglected