By Ammar Maatouq
Damascus, Syria (SDC) – It has become no surprise to Syrians that the authorities in Damascus are indifferent to various crises and hardships in the country. Simultaneously, the authorities promote illusory reconstruction projects and blame economic sanctions put on Syria, they use Syrian resources to serve their own interests. This comes at a time when the majority of Syrians suffer from a dire living situation, while the authorities promote projects worth billions of Syrian pounds (SYP).
The Tunnel Project Sparks Ridicule
The announcement of the estimated cost for the tunnel project, that connects al-Mujtahid Hospital with Bab Musalla Neighborhood in Damascus, has sparked widespread ridicule among Syrians. The cost has reached approximately 350 billion SYP, while most of Syrians struggle to secure their daily needs. Despite the control of the Syrian security forces over Damascus, many people have criticized the authorities’ policies negatively on social media platforms. They have pointed out that Syrians starve to death while the authorities launch a project that costs hundreds of billions of SYP.
Damascus Governor Mohammad Tariq Kreishati announced in press statements that the initial estimated cost of the tunnel project exceeds 250 billion SYP, and the cost of reconstruction of all the infrastructure in the area amounts to 100 billion SYP. These statements have sparked ridicule due to the suffering experienced by Syrians in the authorities-controlled areas. The authorities have to launch service projects amid the deteriorating situation in Syria.
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Syrians Are Burdened by Doubts
The announcement of this costly project by the authorities has raised numerous questions among Syrians. The questions were as follows:
– Why do not the authorities focus on reconstruction of the destroyed areas in the countryside of Damascus to allow the IDPs to return?
– Why do not they launch useful projects that create jobs for Syrians and stimulate the economy?
Some people believe that the expensive cost of the project could be used to reconstruct destroyed areas in the countryside of Damascus and Homs.
Service Projects Are Suspended
A well-informed source revealed that many service projects in Damascus and its countryside have been suspended due to the lack of resources. The water supply project to Mezze 86 Neighborhood has been suspended for years. The electricity supply project in the Daf al-Shouk region and Jaramana city is also suspended. The source said that when the authorities announced the tunnel project with such a high cost, they sought to humiliate Syrians and force them to experience extreme poverty.
The source confirmed that there are numerous suspended service projects in Damascus. While the authority enjoys electricity, water, and all the luxuries of life, the majority of Syrians struggle to secure their children’s basic needs.
Authorities Impose Additional Taxes on Merchants
In addition to the tunnel project, the source revealed that the authorities intend to impose significant taxes on shops in the old markets of Damascus. This will be imposed under the pretext that these areas are historical and require restoration projects. The amounts collected due to these taxes are expected to be around 60 billion SYP. The authorities also intend to impose taxes on the markets of al-Shaalan, al-Salihiyah, and al-Malki neighborhoods. Consequently, this will force merchants to raise prices. Thus, it will exacerbate the economic hardships faced by Syrians.
Authorities Neglect Reconstruction and Productive Initiatives
The announcement of the tunnel project by the authorities confirms that they are not concerned with reconstruction or the return of IDPs. The authorities insist on implementing projects that do not address the basic needs of the people. Furthermore, they refuse to allocate these funds to reconstruct destroyed areas in Syria or make productive initiatives.
Engineer Yasser, a former employee in a Metal Construction Company in Damascus, believed that the tunnel project does not conform to city planning standards. Also, it is not commensurate with the traffic density in the area. He also pointed out that the project’s cost has been significantly exaggerated, raising questions about the discrepancy between the announced cost and the true expense.
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Yasser suggested that the tunnel project will disfigure this area rather than beautify it. He also emphasized that the problems faced by residents in Damascus, such as electricity and water crises and not addressing garbage in the streets, should take the priority. Therefore, it is preferable to prioritize service projects that address the needs of residents over luxury projects.
It is evident that the pursuit of a new look for Damascus takes precedence over the interests of Syrians and the urgent need to address their pressing crises.
The authorities announce implementing expensive projects that do not meet the basic needs of the people at a time when the country suffers from crises. These crises include problems on transportation, electricity, and water, in addition to the deteriorating living conditions and rising prices of food. Instead of seeking to rebuild and return the IDPs, the authorities continue to impose additional taxes, deepening crises at all levels.
These policies clearly reveal the authorities’ disregard for the suffering of Syrians and their preference for their own interests over the needs of the people.
The continuation of this approach will undoubtedly prolong the suffering of Syrians and divert resources towards projects that do not address their fundamental needs.