Jumeirah Village Circle... where residents live in fear of accidents

Surrounded by Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed Road, Al Khail Road and Hessa Street lies Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), shaped like a circular 860 hectare community of townhouses and villas.

Although the community is still under development and its internal infrastructure is yet to become what was once planned, residents have flocked to JVC over the past three years. As a result, a swelling population is dealing with the shortcomings of a development under construction.
 

Debris is still scattered at the intersection, where many accidents took place (Majorie van Leijen)

One of these shortcomings is traffic signage. "There are no speed breakers and no STOP signs anywhere," writes Parul Arya, a resident of the community. The roundabouts are too dangerous to cross as everyone comes in at a very high speed. We have seen many bad accidents due to this and I personally complained to the police officer but it didn't bother anyone."

Last week the community bore witness to yet another accident occurring at a major intersection as a result of speeding. “A vehicle crashed into a light pole. Thank God nobody died in the accident, but the vehicle was severely damaged and is still by the side of the road. The debris is still scattered over the place,” said a frustrated Parul, pointing out that the situation does not receive the attention it requires.

Over the past 8 months 5 accidents took place in the community, with one fatal accident. Last year 11 accidents took place, while no accidents occurred in 2011, according to Dubai Police. While only a few moved to JVC in its early years, when the area was nothing more than a handful of residences, the community is growing at a fast pace.

"Nakheel recently sold 122 villa plots at the development, and sold out the 90 villas at the new JVC villas project, which construction will begin soon, informed a Nakheel spokesperson. In addition, third party developers recently delivered 70 buildings in the community and 80 new designs are currently under review. The development has a projected population of 300,000 people, said the spokesperson.

Similarly, plans have been formed to provide the community with internal road signage; however, the timeframe of these works is unclear.

"We are working on the internal improvements," said the Nakheel spokesperson.

 "The JVC Masterplan has been approved by RTA along with the required signage and pavement markers," confirmed Maitha bin Adai, CEO of the Traffic and Road Authority (TRA) at the Road and Transport Authority (RTA).

"This has been coordinated extensively with Nakheel in order to facilitate a smooth implementation of the JVC side works."

According to Nakheel bus transportation will also be introduced to the community, in addition to a new exit to add to the two existing exits to Al Khail Road.

"Nakheel is bringing 13 parks – already underway – to JVC. The master plan also includes provision for community centres, schools etc, and these will evolve as demand and population increases," it added.

With an ever surging population road signage will not come too soon for residents like Parul, who explained: "This is new community and new roads are developed. A lot of people are moving to this community because of the low rent and spacious flats. "I have been driving for the last 15 years in the

UAE but trust me, these roads are too dangerous to any experienced driver.
 

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