Homs, June 5 (SANA) Syrian Minister of Emergency and Disaster Management Raed al-Saleh said Thursday that the rehabilitation of Al-Rastan Bridge in Homs Governorate represents a new message of hope for Syrians, affirming that infrastructure damaged during years of shelling and bombing by the deposed regime, can be restored and returned to service.
In a post published Thursday on the X platform, al-Saleh said: “I was honored to join His Excellency President Ahmad al-Sharaa in inaugurating Al-Rastan Bridge, which has been restored and rehabilitated by the hands of Syrians, who have proven their ability to rebuild their country despite the challenges.”
Al-Saleh explained that Al-Rastan Bridge is a vital artery and a key junction within Syria’s transportation network, noting that Syrians had long awaited its return to service because of its importance in facilitating the movement of people and goods and linking different regions of the country.
The minister also expressed pride in his association with the White Helmets organization, saying it has become part of Syria’s collective memory and national story. He noted that the organization stood alongside Syrians during difficult periods and contributed to saving more than 130,000 lives.
He added that the organization is continuing its humanitarian mission through the maintenance and rehabilitation project of Al-Rastan Bridge, as a new contribution to the Syrian people and emphasized that efforts to build the Syria envisioned by its citizens remain ongoing.
Earlier Thursday, President Ahmad al-Sharaa inaugurated Al-Rastan Bridge following the completion of rehabilitation and modernization works that returned the structure to service for vehicle traffic.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Secretary-General of the Presidency Abdulrahman Badr al-Din al-A’ma, Minister of Transport Yarub Badr, Minister of Emergency and Disaster Management Raed al-Saleh, Minister of Public Works and Housing Mustafa Abdul Razzaq, Homs Governor Murhaf al-Naasan and Hama Governor Abdul Rahman al-Sahyan.
The reopening of Al-Rastan Bridge is expected to significantly improve traffic flow, reduce travel times and help lower accident rates. Located in central Syria, the bridge serves as an important strategic corridor and economic artery linking southern and northern parts of the country.
IZ/Rk
