By Ali al-Beki’
DEIR EZ-ZOR, Syria (North Press) – For nearly 12 years, the absence of bridges over the Euphrates River in Deir ez-Zor, eastern Syria, has disrupted daily life, hindering access to work, schools, and hospitals. Authorities have launched a project to rehabilitate the “Harbi” bridge despite setbacks from equipment shortages and challenging weather conditions.
In late December, the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) in Deir ez-Zor announced the commencement of a project to rehabilitate the “al-Harbi” bridge, which links the two banks of the Euphrates.
Essential for patients and trade
Abu Ahmad, from the village of Haribsha in the Deir ez-Zor countryside, told North Press, “We hope the relevant authorities, whether from the Democratic side or the other side could facilitate matters regarding transport of goods and ambulances especially since many vehicles are falling into the water.” He added that children and women face the risk of falling into the river, as most residents cannot swim.
Similarly, Abu Muhammad from the village of Hatla in eastern Deir ez-Zor emphasized that the bridge represents a lifeline, as residents of the island struggle to reach Deir ez-Zor city.
He noted that attempts to repair the bridge with unsuitable methods, such as covering it with earth, have worsened the situation, as rising water levels lead to floods that completely submerge the bridge.
Located between the town of al-Hussainiyah and the city of Deir ez-Zor, this bridge is one of three that connect the eastern and western banks of the Euphrates River in the area.
Meanwhile, Youssef al-Hussein from the al-Hawaiqa neighborhood in Deir ez-Zor, on the western bank, stated that work on the bridge began about a month ago but remains unfinished, exacerbating the crisis. He recalled a distressing incident a few days ago when the crossing was closed at night, preventing an ambulance carrying a critically ill patient from passing through.
Project delay
Abdul Hadi Al-Saleh, an engineer and AANES’ Director of Technical Services in Deir ez-Zor, told North Press that the project on the eastern bank, being implemented by the AANES’ al-Shamal Company, has encountered difficulties transporting equipment and machinery from the western bank to the eastern side.
He explained that the main reason for the delay is the lack of cranes and necessary heavy equipment, noting that all bridges over the Euphrates have been destroyed, which hinders the transport of bulky machinery to maintenance sites.
The AANES has not commented on the project, and the supervising engineer noted that there is no fixed timetable for completion, as unpredictable weather conditions are further impeding progress.
This bridge is now the only remaining vehicular access point between the eastern and western banks of the Euphrates in the region, following the destruction of the other bridges during the period of Islamic State (ISIS) control and under the previous regime.
Its importance cannot be overstated, as it currently serves as the sole link between the two banks, greatly facilitating the movement of residents as well as the flow of commercial, economic, and agricultural activities.