Saudi Arabia’s $1 trillion The Line project hits a new milestone, despite reports of 21,000 workers dying during construction.
The Line project faces scrutiny after reports of 21,000 worker deaths
Saudi Arabia is currently developing a massive project called The Line, a key part of its Vision 2030 initiative.
This project aims to create a futuristic city that stretches 170 kilometers and runs entirely on renewable energy.
However, the project recently hit the news due to troubling reports about worker deaths.
Since construction began in 2016, there have been alarming claims that around 21,000 workers may have died while working on The Line.
A recent ITV documentary titled “Kingdom Uncovered: Inside Saudi Arabia” indicated this figure.
The documentary raised significant concerns about the safety and conditions of workers involved in this enormous undertaking.
The Line organizations denied the false reports of dead workers
Despite these serious allegations, Saudi Arabia’s National Council for Occupational Safety and Health has denied the reports.
They stated that claims about high worker fatalities are misleading and lack credible sources.
In their response, Saudi Arabia claims a work-related fatality rate of 1.12 per 100,000 workers, one of the lowest globally.
Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman included The Line in his plan to diversify Saudi Arabia’s economy and reduce oil dependence.
The project is designed to attract tourists and international investors by showcasing a new, modern way of living.
The Line is unique in that it will not have cars or traditional roads, aiming instead for a walkable city powered by clean energy.
However, the project has faced criticism and controversy. In addition to the reported worker deaths, there have been issues related to the local population.
In early 2023, it was reported that members of the Al-Howeitat tribe were forcibly evicted from their land to make way for The Line.
This led to arrests and long prison sentences for some tribe members who resisted the evictions.
Saudi Arabia’s The Line project announces new update amid dead workers reports
As the project moves forward, Neom, the company overseeing The Line, recently announced that it is progressing to the next phase.
They have appointed several leading architectural and engineering firms to help design and plan the city.
This includes companies like Delugan Meissl Associate Architects, Gensler, and Mott MacDonald.
These firms will work on urban design and infrastructure for the first phase of The Line.
The announcement stated: “Delugan Meissl Associate Architects (DMAA), Gensler and Mott MacDonald are collaborating with THE LINE’s design, development and project delivery teams to provide urban design, planning consultancy and infrastructure design for the first phase of the city.”
The announcement also indicated that planning for neighborhoods within the first phase will begin early in 2025.
They aim to create a sophisticated ecosystem for urban design that supports the ambitious goals of The Line.
The project is expected to set new standards for sustainability and urban living.
“NEOM, with the support of this group, has established a sophisticated design ecosystem with advanced
and rigorous methodologies to deliver on THE LINE’s urban objectives.
This will then be followed by the planning and design of the neighborhoods within phase one, which will be undertaken by a suite of architects starting early 2025.”
Despite the optimism surrounding the project’s potential, the concerns about worker safety and the treatment of local communities cannot be overlooked.
The high number of reported worker deaths raises questions about the working conditions and safety measures in place.
As The Line progresses, the project leaders must address these issues transparently.