Road Rehabilitation Begins in Latakia’s Countryside
The Syrian Construction and Building Company has initiated a major rehabilitation and maintenance project for the road linking the village of Salma to Wata al-Khan in the Latakia countryside. The initiative aims to upgrade a total length of 10 kilometers of roadway, significantly improving access to various mountain villages and key tourism locations in the area.
According to Ahmad al-Abdullah, director of the company’s Latakia branch, the restoration efforts focus on specific segments of the road identified as requiring urgent attention by the Directorate of Technical Services. These repairs cover approximately 3,650 meters of the total route. The scope of work is comprehensive, involving road scraping, surface roughening, and the structural repair of damaged sections. This process includes reinforcing the roadbed with crushed stone, which is then moistened and compacted to ensure durability. Once the foundation is stabilized, crews will apply a binding agent before laying a new asphalt layer between 5 and 7 centimeters thick.
The project is considered a vital infrastructure development due to the large population density in the region. The road serves as a primary transit artery for numerous rural communities, including the villages of al-Marouniyat, al-Murayj, and Wata al-Khan. Furthermore, it functions as a critical connector linking the Salma road to the broader transit route toward Aleppo, which is expected to facilitate both local services and regional tourism traffic.
Despite the clear benefits of the project, crews are currently navigating significant logistical challenges. The mountainous terrain of the region presents a difficult working environment, often complicating the deployment and maneuvering of heavy machinery and construction equipment.
Abdul Aziz Hajj Mahmoud, head of the Technical Affairs Department at the Latakia Directorate of Technical Services, noted that this initiative marks the beginning of a larger series of planned infrastructure projects scheduled for the area. The focus on this specific axis is expected to bolster the service sector and encourage tourism development in the highland regions.
Salma, located within the Salanfa district, sits approximately 48 kilometers from the city of Latakia at an altitude of 850 meters above sea level. Renowned for its picturesque landscapes, springs, and deep valleys, the town serves as a significant mountain resort. Local authorities hope that by enhancing the road network leading into these areas, they will successfully improve accessibility for visitors and stimulate increased tourism and economic activity in the Latakia governorate.
