Sameh Saeid
Doha
Public Works Authority 'Ashghal' plans to invest more than $20 billion in infrastructure and public building projects in Qatar in the next seven years, according to Lusail Expressway Project Manager Mohamed Isa Shamia.
The official said this while making a presentation at a seminar held on the sidelines of the 'Made in China' expo 2. He was highlighting the major projects being undertaken by Qatar in preparation for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The official said the Public Work Authority plans to launch seven expressway projects worth $1.3 billion, to be awarded in 2017, which include Al Bustan Expressway, Muntazah Street to West Corridor, upgrade of TV R/A Intersection, Forusiya Street Interim Scheme, Khufoos Street, and upgrade of Al Wakra main road.
"The expressway projects will provide vital transportation links across Qatar connecting key cities, towns and villages with high quality national freeways and urban arterial routes," he said, while adding that during 2016 seven projects valued at $1 billion were completed and 18 projects valued at 19.49 billion are under construction.
Highlighting the role of Ashghal in expanding road network in Qatar and upgrading the drainage system to enable greater mobility, shorter travel times and improved safety, he said, Ashghal also plans to launch 38 projects to establish and upgrade new local roads and drainage valued at $1.6 billion, to be awarded in 2017. These projects will include new sub-divisions, logistics areas and infrastructure for workers' camps.
"Ten projects valued at $200 million were accomplished, while 25 projects valued at $3.1 billion are under construction. Another 32 new drainage projects valued at $1.2 billion would be awarded in 2017 to upgrade network and pumping station, including Messaimeer marine outfall and pumping station," he added.
Shamia added that Ashghal also plans to undertake various projects during 2017 to build new hospitals, health centers, schools, kindergartens and Awqaf projects.
The authority has partnered with leading international consultant Parsons Brinckerhoff as chief project consultant to efficiently oversee the implementation of the programme in a safe and sustainable manner using innovative and cutting edge technology.
In recognition of its excellent contribution to sustainability and green buildings, Ashghal has won two Sustainability Awards (2016) in health and education facilities, awarded by the Gulf Organization for Research and Development (GORD), the first performance-based system in the MENA region, developed for rating green buildings and infrastructure.