COUNCILLORS have demanded clear road signs after some tourists heading towards a popular shopping complex complained of ending up in a graveyard after following directions on Google Maps.
The Muharraq Municipal Council has asked the Information and eGovernment Authority (iGA) to scrap all shortcuts shown on the web mapping service to Dragon City in Diyar Al Muharraq as they reportedly led tourists through narrow passages in residential areas.
However, a presentation during the council’s weekly meeting showed that most of the visitors who got lost were heading from Seef District towards Muharraq, while those using the Khalifa Bin Salman Bridge connecting Juffair to Hidd had no problems.
“All our brothers and sisters from the GCC are welcome to Muharraq, it is their home and will always remain so,” said council services and public utilities committee chairman Fadhel Al Oud, who represents Dair and Samaheej.
“However, it is unfortunate that they are getting lost because Google Maps is showing them confusing routes through Dair, Samaheej and Galali if they are coming from the Seef District.
“Every day, hundreds of cars are stuck in residential areas and may find themselves at a dead end at the Dair Cemetery.
Shortcuts
“It is a headache for tourists and residents, as Google Maps is suggesting improper shortcuts rather than proper roads.”
Council chairman Ghazi Al Murbati said the iGA must take action to prevent Google Maps from showing confusing routes.
“Whether it comes at a cost or is free, those confusing routes need to be taken out and only major routes should be mentioned,” he said.
“The government should also erect clear road signs that will direct the tourists to their destination in the shortest and best time possible.
“It is not nice for frustrated tourists to turn back after driving for at least an hour to the place – simply because they are fed up and don’t want to lose more time.”
Galali, Dilmunia, Amwaj Islands, Diyar Al Muharraq councillor Saleh Buhazaa, who is also the council’s technical committee chairman, said there were road signs, but they were not enough.
“The signs are too further apart and by the time the tourists realise they are lost it is too late and they face a dead end,” he said.
“I believe approaching Google Maps to rectify the situation is the right move as the confusing routes are irritating all parties involved.”
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