Dangerous sinkhole in Al Seeb market cordoned

Muscat: Muscat Municipality has temporarily dealt with a dangerous hole in the ground after an online plea by a concerned citizen, who found the hole in the middle of Al Seeb Market.

A statement by the municipality read: “We inform the public that the hole in the ground has been temporarily dealt with on site.

“Work is ongoing to implement a permanent solution in coordination with the authority concerned with extending services through this point,” added the statement.

This came after Yaqoob Al Amri took a photo of the hole in the middle of Al Seeb Market, and asked the municipality for help, saying it was dangerous and that Al Seeb Market is a busy economic area.

Yaqoob told Times of Oman: “I first saw the hole yesterday evening, as it was causing confusion in the area."

“My fears were that someone could fall inside, whether a child, woman, an old person or anyone. It is dangerous because of the sharp and dangerous remains of the metal around it. Someone said it has been there for a few days,” he added

Thankfully, according to him, the municipality reacted after they were alerted to the issue via social media.

The municipality had placed barriers around the hole, as well as a sign warning passersby and vehicles about it, and covered it temporarily until the issue is resolved.

H.E Hilal Al Sarmi, Shura Council representative of Al Seeb, responded to the online plea.

The Shura representative said, “This is the first I have known of this and did not believe it would reach this dangerous level. I have no doubt that Muscat Muncipality and Haya Water will do everything possible to remedy the situation”