[caption id="attachment_118097" align="alignleft" width="225"] Road expansion projects in Maysan have been stalled for several years while its asphalted roads have been broken, claimed a resident. — Okaz photo[/caption]By Faisal Al-Harthi MAYSAN – Maysan, located between Taif and Baha, is a disorganized governorate that requires a number of development projects and infrastructure facilities for the welfare of its people estimated at more than 75,000 who live in 185 villages and townships. Hussein Ayed Al-Harthi said people of Maysan are looking forward to the opening of Taif University's branch in the city to facilitate higher education for their children. "There are more than 1,800 students in Maysan and its villages. Some parents do not send their children for higher education fearing accidents as they have to travel long distance," he added. Mishaal Saeed Al-Harthi urged authorities to open offices of the Passports Department and Civil Affairs Department in Maysan for the benefit of its people. "Its road expansion projects have been stalled for several years while its asphalted roads have been broken," said Abdul Rahman Bin Musaed Al-Harthi. "Its roads need protection from flash floods," Al-Harthi said while talking to Okaz/Saudi Gazette. He complained that the Maysan Municipal Council was not finding time to look into their complaints and meet the governorate's development requirements. "Roads leading to the villages of Wajrah and Umm Al-Saud lack safety measures. The Traffic Department has put concrete blocks along the road without fixing them properly." Al-Harthi also pointed out that some of Maysan's street lights have fallen, threatening public security. Al-Erq village does not a paved road to connect it with outside world, he added. People also spend a lot on money on drinking water due to lack of supply. "Water tankers charge SR400 and the price goes up during Ramadan and other peak seasons," he added. The newly established park in Maysan is far from residential areas while its location along the main road poses danger to children and families, said Saeed Bin Hilal Al-Harthi. "Families have abandoned this park because it does not have enough recreation facilities for children," he pointed out. People of Maysan have made several representations to boost its development but authorities did not take any action to change its face. "Its main roads and streets require maintenance and lighting while families require parks to spend their weekends and holidays." Naif Awad Al-Harthi referred to another major issue. He said Al-Erq village would be isolated from other villages and townships during heavy rains due to flooding. The health center is Maysan is in poor condition and does not have enough doctors, nurses and medicine. "People travel to neighboring cities to get treatment from specialized hospitals," he added.
