Sheikh Othman local authorities rehabilitate Mohammed Sa'ad Abdullah Street
January 13, 2025

A community member crossing the newly rehabilitated street.
In Aden’s Sheikh Othman District, Mohammed Sa'ad Abdullah Street, a once vital artery, became a source of frustration for drivers. Deteriorating over the years, this busy road became an obstacle for residents and authorities, hindering daily commutes and complicating the delivery of essential services and goods. The street’s potholes and cracked asphalt led to congestion and vehicle damage, impacting a cross-section of community members from commuting students to taxi drivers.
Old photos of the damaged street, showing large potholes and a crumbling median strip.
The road’s deterioration impacted the lives of thousands; potholes, cracked asphalt, and poorly lit conditions made the street nearly impassable. Bus drivers were particularly affected, as the damaged road not only slowed their transportation time, but also led to frequent vehicle repairs.
A local bus driver, Waleed, who navigated this route daily, described his frustrations about the condition of the road.
"I work as a bus driver, often late into the night. But I have to split my earnings: half goes to fixing breakdowns on my bus, and the other half to provide for my children. We constantly bump around and slow down here, there is always congestion, and we really hope that any responsible authority will repair the road. We are truly suffering," says Abu Turki.

Waleed, in his bus, explaining the hardship he was facing before the road paving project.
Through inclusive consultations with community members, Sheikh Othman local authorities identified the road paving project as a priority for improving the district's urban infrastructure. Following a thorough evaluation, the decision was made to rehabilitate and fully restore the street.
Once approved, work commenced immediately, with support from the European Union through the United Nations Development Programme’s Strengthening Institutional and Economic Resilience (SIERY) Project with local partner Yemen Aid.

Local authorities on-site, assessing the street's condition before implementation.

The local council of Sheikh Othman District officially approving implementation.
The rehabilitation included removing the damaged asphalt, repairing the sub structure, constructing a new asphalt layer, restoring the sidewalk, and installing traffic and road signs and new lighting poles.
Heavy trucks delivered fresh asphalt, while workers, engineers, and local authorities ensured that the reconstruction met quality and safety standards. The street was repaved, the median strip rebuilt, and new lighting poles installed, giving the area a fresh appearance with improved function.
The over 190,000 residents of Al-Sheikh Othman District now have better access to services and shops along the street. Safer walkways and roadways allow both pedestrians and drivers to move more efficiently. Ambulance and police can respond more quickly to community calls and people with disabilities can move along the sidewalk better. The new lighting poles enhance safety, particularly for women and children. Public transport efficiency has improved, while repair costs have been reduced. The streamlined movement of cargo, goods, and humanitarian aid has ensured that communities, shop owners, and those in need receive essential supplies more easily and further boosts economic activity in the district.
“As a local business owner, I am extremely grateful for the repairs to Mohammed Sa'ad Abdullah Street. The newly paved sidewalk has made it easier for customers to access my shop, boosting foot traffic and improving sales. The enhanced safety and appearance of the area, especially with the new street lighting, have created a better environment for both businesses and residents. This project has truly made a positive impact on our daily operations,” shared Mohammed, a local shop owner.
The bus driver, Waleed, now content, shares his joy after the completion of the project: "The change is amazing, and now I can work and I am happy and my mind is less preoccupied about my bus."

Waleed, after the project implementation, driving on the newly paved road.
With a restored capacity to deliver essential services, following trainings supported by the SIERY Project, local authorities in Sheikh Othman District are better positioned to address future challenges. They have a solid framework for tackling both immediate concerns and long-term development goals.

A side shot of Mohammed Sa'ad Abdullah Street, after rehabilitation.
The Strengthening Institutional and Economic Resilience in Yemen (SIERY) Project, funded by the European Union, focuses on strengthening the capacity of local authorities to provide key public services while promoting economic empowerment and recovery throughout Yemen. Through initiatives that encourage knowledge sharing, collaborative governance, and institutional resilience, the SIERY Project is supporting state institutions to drive sustainable development and foster long-term stability and economic growth in Yemen.