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Despite new streetlights, Abu Shagara still in the dark

Sharjah - Although the traffic flow and parking is smoother in Abu Shagara now, residents have been complaining about the pitch dark roads since January

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Residents of Abu Shagara still complain about its pitch dark roads at night, after the area's popular used car market was moved to Al Ruqa Al Hamrah in January.
Following a large number of complaints, Sharjah Water and Electricity Authority (Sewa) had told Khaleej Times that more lampposts have been installed in the area and the necessary maintenance works have carried out.
During a visit to the locality post-midnight during the weekend, however, Khaleej Times witnessed unlit, dark areas around the Abu Shagara Park, and in the area leading to the big Al Madina Supermarket.

(Video by Sherouk Zakaria)
When Khaleej Times spoke to local resident Siham Ahmed - a mother of three daughters - she said that besides the weak street lighting, half of the lamp posts also do not work. Living in the area behind Choithram Supermarket since 1979, Siham said the area gets too dark at night for her daughters to walk around safely.
Echoing similar thoughts was Gassan Ali Khan, who said he has witnessed no recent changes in street lighting. "After the showrooms were moved, the area became lifeless. Not much is going on and the place is very quiet and dark," said Khan, a resident for the past five years. Rahul Bobby, a frequent visitor to Abu Shagara for 25 years, said while some parts have proper lighting, the area around Abu Shagara Park that accommodates many residents gets "scary" after 9pm. "The area is not safe for ladies to walk about. It gets very dark that you have to get out your cellphone's flashlight to even see," said Bobby.
The owner of a grocery shop opposite Abu Shagara Park says the same thing. While there has been talk of adding more street lighting, nothing has happened yet, he said, adding that more lights would make families feel safer at night.
Although the traffic and parking flow have grown smoother in Abu Shagara, residents have been complaining about the pitch dark roads since January.
sherouk@khaleejtimes.com