Rain Water in Salwa Road; Lusail Expressway Project Works

Flood-hit vehicle owners ‘can’ seek compensation March 29, 2014 - 5:26:58 am DOHA: Insurance experts advise that the owners of Wednesday’s flood-hit vehicles can approach the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) or the Ministry of Municipality and Urban Planning for compensation. Talking to Al Arab, a section of Insurance advisors said the vehicle owners are not eligible for claiming compensation for their damaged vehicles as natural calamities are not covered udner the existing automobile insurance policy in Qatar. Dozens of motorists were stranded on Salwa Road underpass following Wednesday’s flood.

“The owners of the damaged vehicles can legally approach Ashghal or the ministry for compensation, as both are primarily responsible for the flooding of the underpass,”

the daily quoted an expert as saying.

It said the sewage network linking Salwa Road and Abu Hamour was supposed to open to the sea. Though, the Salwa Road and Abu Hamour networks were linked, the network that opens to the sea was not in operational, which led to the flooding of the underpass. “Either Ashghal or the ministry must own up the responsibility for the mess. The owners can approach either,”

Al Arab quoted another expert as saying. The flooding has raised the question whether insurance companies must cover natural calamities like floods in Qatar. Meanwhile, Al Sharq said Ashghal had put a system in place to store storm water temporarily in the Salwa Road network. Ashghal had been perfectly draining it out during rainy days. However, the process went haywire on Wednesday because of the unprecedented downpour, it said. Mishaal Al Dahnim, an engineer, said the contracting company must be held responsible for the maintenance of damaged vehicles. However, he said in terms of traffic management, the Salwa Road is one of the best. Fawaz Al Ansi, another expert, said the flooding raised serious questions about designing and executing road projects.

“Qatar must tighten its scrutiny on government projects. They must be subjected to rigorous inspection and continuous monitoring during phases of execution before rushing to inaugurate them,”

he said. ======================= CMC wants to be part of Salwa road flooding probe Doha The Central Municipal Council (CMC) wants to be part of the committee probing the flooding of the underpass on Salwa Road. The CMC on Tuesday decided to write a letter to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Urban Planning asking it to include the CMC in the committee constituted by the Prime Minister. It decided that Representative of New Doha and Deputy Chairman, Engineer Jassem bin Abdullah al Malki and Representative of Zakhira Engineer Hamad bin Lahdan al Mohannadi would represent the CMC if the PM allows it to be part of the investigation. The CMC took the decision after widespread complaints against Public Works Authority (Ashghal). Traffic was thrown out of gear after a recent downpour flooded the 8-month-old Salwa Road underpass, which cost about QR1.7 bn to build. (TNN) page 3 >> =============== Panel set up to probe flooding of tunnels on Salwa Road March 28, 2014 - 3:01:59 am DOHA: The Prime Minister and Minister of Interior H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani has set up a special committee to investigate the cause of the flooding in some tunnels on the Salwa Road following heavy rains on Wednesday. The committee will study whether the water-logging was caused by any technical defects, Al Sharq reports. The panel, led by the Minister of Municipality and Urban Planning H E Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani, comprises experts. The contracting company that executed the Salwa Road project could be held responsible if any engineering defect is found, said the daily. The panel will start work immediately and an investigation report is expected to be ready in two weeks ================ Rains flood low-lying areas of Doha March 27, 2014 - 5:05:30 am Vehicles caught in a flooded underpass on Salwa Road after heavy rains in Doha yesterday. DOHA: Heavy rains disrupted life in the city yesterday, leaving many low-lying areas inundated, especially one of the tunnels on Salwa Road. The Qatar Décor underpass on Salwa Road was flooded by the downpour that lashed the country since the late hours of Tuesday. A number of motorists heading from Doha to Industrial Area were caught in the tunnel for hours as water rose waist-high after intermittent rains continued until afternoon yesterday. Social networking sites were abuzz with reports and comments about the flooding, with people posting pictures of half-sunk vehicles that got stuck in the deluge. Traffic came to a standstill on the highway during peak hours. Police later closed the Qatar Décor underpass temporarily and diverted traffic to other roads, causing congestion in the area. Despite efforts by the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) to pump out water from the underpass, the traffic disruption continued until evening. Ashghal said yesterday that the flooding was caused due to incomplete work on the underground drainage network on Salwa Road. “Salwa Road has an efficient and deep water drainage system including pipes with large diametres, providing high drainage capacity for surface water. However, as the project’s underground drainage connection to the sea through Abu Hamour network is not yet constructed, Salwa Road drainage network is currently used to receive and store surface water inside the pipes only as a temporary procedure till the main drainage network is ready to streamline the water to the sea as planned,” Ashghal said in a statement. Ashghal said it had deployed tanks and suction pumps immediately to handle the waterlogging as “the pipes reached their maximum capacity within a very short time due to heavy rains.” Senior Ashghal engineers and officials from the Traffic Department were present in the area yesterday to supervise the operation. The unstable weather in Qatar over the past two days forced some Doha-bound flights to land at neighbouring airports, Al Sharq reported yesterday quoting a senior official of the Civil Aviation Authority. The Ministry of Interior on its Twitter account informed the public about the temporary closure of the Salwa Road tunnel and advised motorists to exercise caution while driving in rain and low visibility. Nouf Al Malki, services department director at Doha Municipality said the emergency team at the municipality pumped out water from several low-lying areas in Doha, including Duhail, Airport, Al Hilal and Al Dafna. The Meteorology Department said yesterday that most parts of the country received moderate to heavy rains yesterday. The downpour is not likely to continue today, although there is a chance of light rains in some areas. “We are yet to obtain data about the rain in different areas. But many parts of the country received heavy rains,” a senior official of the Department told this daily last evening. The Department had earlier forecast strong winds and thundershowers this week, as an extension of a low pressure area in southwestern Saudi Arabia. The Peninsula ================ 26 March 2014 NewsImage Ashghal mobilised its emergency teams to the affected area to conduct an alternative water suction procedure to eliminate the excess water in the tunnel NewsContent ​Heavy rains falling on Qatar today (Wednesday 26 March 2014) has caused increasing surface water levels in some of Salwa Road areas, mainly in the underpass know as Qatar Decor Tunnel. Immediately Ashghal had mobilised its emergency teams to the affected area to conduct an alternative water suction procedure to eliminate the excess water in the tunnel. Ashghal’s seniors from related departments along with its drainage and road management specialised engineers were immediately presence at the area. Ashghal expects to completely conclude its procedure within the next few hours. Ashghal asserts the fact that Salwa Road encompasses an efficient and deep water drainage system including pipes with large diameters, providing high drainage capacity for surface water to serve Salwa Road. However, as the project’s underground drainage connection to the sea through Abu Hamour network is still not yet constructed, Salwa Road drainage network is currently used to receive and store surface water inside the pipes only as a temporary procedure till the main drainage network is ready to streamline the water to the sea as planned. When these pipes reached its maximum capacity within a very short time due to heavy rains as was the case today, water suction pumps and tanks are immediately deployed to the area to handle the excess water from the Salwa Road drainage pipes to the nearest drainage network in order to reduce the level of water levels inside these pipes. Ashghal will be updating you with all developments related to this issue on a timely basis. ============ Lusail Expressway Project Works to Start on Saturday 11 November 2012 NewsImage “Ashghal will start works on the first phase of Lusail Expressway Project, which responds to future traffic demands and delivers a modern connecting road network” News Content ​ The Public Works Authority ‘Ashghal’ will start the works of the first phase of Lusail Expressway Project with a network of tunnels, flyovers and junctions. Lusail Expressway responds to future traffic demands and delivers a modern road network to connect people and places with speed and ease. This is in addition to the extensive landscaping and beautification scheme to be implemented along the project. As first phase of the project, the existing North Canal Crossing bridge will be closed from Saturday, November 17th, , in order to rebuild the bridge as multi-lane passage. The closure will last until the completion of the project. During this period, Al Jameaa Street will be the alternative route to the Golf Club, Lusail International Circuit, Residential compounds and all other sites located at the north of the canal. The Lusail Expressway programme forms a part of Qatar’s Expressway Programme which involves reconstruction and upgrading of the existing Lusail Road from south of Al Wahda Street (Arch Roundabout) to the North Canal Crossing totaling approximately 5.3 km in length and connecting Lusail area with the city center. The expressway involves three main interchanges, connecting Pearl Qatar, Katara and Lusail. The reconstructed road will have four lane dual carriage-ways, with additional double lane to ensure traffic flow between the interchanges. The Expressway Programme, a nationwide road infrastructure programme involving around 30 highway projects,will improve the way people and places are connected across the city of Doha and wider Qatar. It will deliver over 900 kms of new roads and an array of underpasses, flyovers and multi-level interchanges to enable free-flowing traffic and improved journey times. ================= Brief description , Lusail Expressway As part of the Expressway Programme, this project will provide a vital connection into Doha’s fast growing Lusail City Development area which is currently under construction. It will upgrade the existing Al Istiqlal Road from south of the Al Wahda (Arch) roundabout to north of the North Channel Crossing, and Onaiza Street. The 5.3 km will comprise four lanes of highway with additional lanes to provide for traffic movement between the interchanges. The project includes three large interchanges and has key interfaces with the Pearl, Katara, Lusail City Development, and the future Sharq (Doha Bay) crossing. The Lusail Expressway will also cater for future light rail transit (LRT) and Metro's Red Line North. Associated infrastructure developments include: Storm water network with two pump stations, an underground detention tank and two outfalls, foul water, treated sewage effluent, chilled water, potable water, electrical EHV, HV, MV, & LV, telecommunication network Q-Tel & Vodafone, Doha city surveillance system and Qatar Armed Forces telecommunication networks and landscaping features. Project Description Benefits •The project will provide a vital connection into Doha’s fast growing Lusail City Development area which is currently under construction. •Existing major development areas such as the Pearl and Katara will also benefit greatly from the project with improved interchanges and better journey times for residents, businesses and visitors to the area. •With its complex network of tunnels, flyovers and junctions, the Lusail Expressway will respond to future traffic demands and deliver a modern road network that will connect people and places with speed and ease. •The project includes three major interchanges which will completely transform the way people move in and around the area. •One of the most significant features of the project will be the extensive artscape and beautification scheme installed along the length of the project. •Iconic super structures at key locations along the route will complete the look of this world class road network, making the Lusail Expressway a true landmark in the region. Project Information Geographical Location N/A Area Multiple Areas Sector Expressway Programme Projects Total Cost 3,500,000,000 Q.R. Status In progress Type Roads Start Date 17 November 2012 Expected completion date Third quarter of 2016 Construction company Hyundai Engineering and Construction Consulting company Design Consultant: AECOM Middle East Ltd Supervision consultant: CDM Smith Programme Manager: KBR ===================== Ashghal Introduces Electronic Performance Evaluation System 18 February 2014 NewsImage Public Works Authority applies international standards in employee performance evaluation to enhance efficiency NewsContent The Public Works Authority ‘Ashghal’ Human Resources Department has launched the first governmental electronic appraisal system to evaluate its employee’s performance in line with the human resources law of Qatar. This step supports Ashghal’s long term strategy to develop the skills of its local workforce. Mr. Saif Al Kaabi, Manager of the Human Resources Department at Ashghal, commented on this milestone saying “Ashghal has been always keen on developing its local talents and offer them opportunities to standout. In line with the Qatar National Vision 2030, the organisation works to continually enhance the performance and development of employees by offering jobs, training and scholarship opportunities for all its employees and Qatari nationals who wish to join Ashghal’s team. The new electronic system was designed and implemented in corporation with the Information Systems Department, and it is available for all employees through Ashghal’s intranet portal” said Al Kaabi, adding that the electronic system has been officially activated for the employee evaluation cycle for 2014. Al Kaabi explained that the main feature of the new system is that all its functions are done electronically, starting from sending evaluation forms and seeking approval by the concerned head of the section or affairs. As a first step, the system notifies the concerned managers to prepare the annual evaluation through Ashghal’s internal intranet portal. In the second step, the system sends all employees evaluation forms to the concerned manager. At a later stage, the concerned person fills out the evaluation forms and sends them to their concerned managers for approval. Once approved, evaluation results are sent directly to the employee’s email or his/her account on Ashghal’s internal portal. One of the key features of the system, Al Kaabi added, is that it allows employees to submit a grievance to the Grievance and Appeals Committee if they are not satisfied with their evaluation. Al Kaabi confirmed that the Authority applies international standards in employee performance evaluation to enhance efficiency. These levels are checked through specific measuring tools according to the themes specified in the annual evaluation folder. The system contributes to automating the traditional manual evaluation procedures to support Ashghal’s vision of using the latest technology across its operations It is noteworthy to say that the evaluation system is considered as a regular procedure through which the employee’s performance is evaluated against specific goals and indicators that are updated and reviewed continuously throughout their employment. This is part of Ashghal’s wider Individual Development Plan designed for Qatari employees. Launched in 2013, the Individual Development Plan (IDP) for Qatari employees aims to develop the skills and competencies of the national workforce at Ashghal. 81 employees took part in phase I of the Individual Development Plan that constantly reviews and assesses the employee’s learning and career objectives in order to identify and drive his or her personal development in the right direction and fastest way. Consistent with the corporate business objectives, values and mission these plans were designed to be a personalised guide for each employee in order to achieve their individual and corporate goals. In line with the Qatar National Vision 2030, the Individual Development Plan lays emphasis on developing individuals and enhancing skills of the local workforce. Ashghal also offers an annual scholarship programme that aims to enable employees and students to continue their studies in the technical or scientific fields inside Qatar or abroad, according to the Authority strategy to develop local talents to streamline the knowledge and skills gained to meet the current and future needs of the Authority. ============================ Work on to end 'smelly' woes SANTHOSH CHANDRAN DOHA ASHGHAL is trying to seek a permanent solution to stop the continuing leakage of smelly water flowing from an underground pipe in a Muntaza street close to the C Ring Road. Speaking to Qatar Tribune on Sunday, a team of Public Works Authority (Ashghal) workers trying to stop the leakage problem said that the suspected underground broken drainage pipes in the area must be repaired or replaced to find a permanent solution. Furthermore, an Ashghal official said that they have already given instruction to the sewage division to address this issue. Filthy water has been emanating from the area for the last four days. Residents, officials and even patients who use the street which hosts important facilities like the American Hospital, Aster Medical Centre, Ministry of Labour and Al Jazeera Village have been complaining of the stench and unhygienic condition. A resident at Al Jazeera Village said,"Even though teams from Ashghal drained the dirty water three times today (on Sunday), the fault has not been detected yet." A Mowasalat employee residing in the area said that the situation has become unbearable and underlined that their repeated complaints have not been addressed as yet. An Ashghal worker admitted,"The fault cannot be sorted out only with draining out the smelly water. The main cause of the leakage is supposedly broken pipes. These pipes should be replaced or fixed properly." A senior official at the nearby Aster Medical Centre stated that there is no fault or damage with their drainage system and their complex has nothing to do with this issue. Patients visiting the health facility are also affected by the water leakage problem. Some of them strongly expressed their concern over the stench that has overwhelmed the street. ====================== Emir amends labour law, ratifies cabinet decisions QNA Doha The Emir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani on Tuesday issued law No 3 of 2014 amending some of the provisions of Qatar's Labour Law No 14 of 2004. HH the Emir also issued the Emiri Decision No 9 of 2014 appointing Saud Abdullah Zaid al Mahmoud as Qatar's ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary to Russia. HH the Emir also issued the Emiri decision No 10 of 2014 appointing Sheikh Abdullah bin Thamir bin Mohamed al Thani as Qatar's ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary to Saudi Arabia. He also issued Decree No 7 of 2014 ratifying an agreement between the governments of Qatar and China's Administrative Region of Hong Kong on the avoidance of double taxation and prevention of income tax evasion and its attached protocol, which was signed in Hong Kong in May 13, 2013. The agreement is to have the power of law according to Article 68 of the constitution. The Emir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani on Tuesday ratified the Cabinet's Decision No 9 of 2014 on the expropriation of some properties for public benefit. HH the Emir also ratified the cabinet's Decision No 10 of 2014 on the entry into force of Law No 2/ of 2002 on retirement and pension for Qatari workers at companies affiliated with United Development Company (UDC). Besides, HH the Emir ratified the Cabinet Decision No 12 of 2014 on the applicability of the provisions of the law No 24 of 2002 on the retirement and pension of Qatari employees at Qatar Jet Fuel Company. He also endorsed Cabinet Decision No 13 of 2014 enforcing the rules of Law No 24 of 2002 on retirement and pensions of Qataris working with Musheirib Real Estate Company and Cabinet Decision No 11 of 2014 on applicability of the provisions of the law No 24 of 2002 on pension and retirement of Qatari employees working with the 'Education Above All'Foundation. The Education Above All Foundation is a non-governmental organisation founded in 2009. The decisions shall be effective from the date of issue and shall be published in the official gazette ================ Salwa Road re-opening pushed to September By: Doha News Staff | January 29, 2013View as "Clean Read" | Comments 0 SHARES EmailUPrint The re-opening of Salwa Road following an ambitious redevelopment project has been pushed back again, until at least September of this year, according to a senior official. Phase 7 of the $4.1 billion, 13-part Doha Expressway project entails expanding the 6.9km of road from Al Asiri Interchance (Midmac Roundabout) to Industrial Interchange, and was supposed to be completed last month. The $436.7 million phase was then postponed to the middle of this year, with delays being attributed to the scale of the project and previously, the intense summer heat. Tunnel art Now, speaking to reporters yesterday, Ashghal president Nasser Ali Al Mawlawi said that phase of the project will be completed by the third quarter of 2013. However, he added that the Ain Khalid Underpass will partly open to traffic by this weekend, in part to facilitate the artwork of French-Tunisian graffiti artist eL Seed, who is painting murals on the tunnels along Salwa. Salwa Road has been a nightmare for motorists and shop owners since construction began in July of 2010. But according to Gulf Times, things should look like brighter by September: The mainline will feature eight lanes, four lanes in each direction separated by a median with continuous service roads. There will be four two-level interchanges along this section with the mainline of Salwa Road placed as an underpass beneath the crossroads to allow free flowing mainline traffic. The project will provide a strategic corridor between the centre of Doha and the Saudi Arabian border ===================== Salwa Road Project 04 October 2011 "• Ashghal executes the project with 1.592.000.000.000 QR • Two-level interchanges (tunnels) and light signals • Surveillance cameras and communications center to monitor the project" NewsContent The Public Works Authority ‘Ashghal’ announced the construction works on Salwa Road on the 1st of July 2010, Midmac-Yuksil Union began implementing the project with an estimated cost of 1.592.000.000.000 QR. The 7.6 Km long project links Al Asiri interchange (Midmac) to Al Senaeiya interchange. The work includes constructing 4 lanes in every direction as well as serving roads and parking. It also includes constructing two-level four interchanges with lighting signals: Al Bustan, Central Market, Al Aziziya and Ain Khaled. Al Bustan interchange (Qatar for decoration previously) includes 651 m long tunnel consisted of 4 lanes in every direction. It also includes 123 m long bridge consisted of 2 lanes in every direction and lightning signals on Doha highway and serving road parallel to every direction of the lanes as well as side parking specialized for serving the shops. Central Market interchange includes 730 m tunnel consisted of 4 lanes in each direction and 136 m bridge of 2 lanes in every direction and lightning signals on Doha highway and serving road parallel to every direction of the lanes as well as side parking specialized for serving the shops. Al Aziziya interchange also contains 810 m tunnel consisted of 4 lanes in each direction and 128 m bridge of 2 lanes in every direction and lightning signals on Doha highway and serving road parallel to every direction of the lanes as well as side parking specialized for serving the shops. Al Ghanem interchange includes 718 m tunnel consisted of 4 lanes in each direction and 124 m bridge of 2 lanes in every direction and lightning signals on Doha highway and serving road parallel to every direction of the lanes as well as side parking specialized for serving the shops. It's worth mentioning that such project aims at developing infrastructure networks such as constructing new sewage network and new rain water disposal network, building deep pipes in the tunnels with diameter of 2400 and 3000 mm, establishing processing water network, and extending water lines with diameters range from 100- 600 mm. The project aims also at constructing electricity lines of various voltages (very high- high- medium- low) and constructing lighting network to all project places in addition to extending developing network for the traffic monitor system. Regarding closures and alternative roads, Ashghal coordinated with the traffic administration and decided not to close the main roads or interchanges wholly; therefore, current roundabouts were extended to enable the contractor to begin constructing the tunnels easily. In addition to that, the four interchanges were provided with lighting signals and surveillance cameras to facilitate traffic movement, monitor the road all day and inform about traffic jam or any accidents happened. Salwa Road is one of the most vital roads in Qatar as it includes around 700 trade buildings. The project of constructing Salwa Road is divided into four main parts; each one has four subsidiary parts of 200 m length for each of them in front of the commercial shops. Project public relations team coordinating with Ashghal’s public relations and communications department decide visiting shop owners and notifying them with the work plan and required period. Commercial nature of every establishment will be determined to know the need to the paths for passersby or to the iron bridges for cars to avoid the damage arise from the constructional works. Ashghal developed the operations center in the site administration to work for 24 hour throughout the week to follow up the traffic diversions and the immediate notification of any accidents. ============================ Graffiti artist eL Seed to paint Salwa Road tunnels amid construction delays By: Doha News Staff | January 3, 2013View as "Clean Read" | Comments 0 SHARES EmailUPrint Qatar Museums Authority and Ashghal, the Public Works Authority, have commissioned French Tunisia graffiti artist eL Seed to decorate four tunnels on the newly-expanded Salwa Road, as construction there stretches behind schedule. EL Seed specializes in “calligraffiti” – a mixture of street art and Arabic calligraphy, and has done outdoor public works recently in Tunisia and South Africa. He’s also previously offered Calligraffiti workshops at the Museum of Islamic Art. He’ll be painting the tunnels over the next four months, and keeping the public updated with photos and video on the site eL Seed in Doha. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- eL Seed inspecting one of the tunnels last October (Credit: QMA) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The public art commission is part of the Salwa Road redevelopment project, which is expanding the highway to four lanes on each side. Considered Phase 7 of the QR15bn ($4.1bn) Doha Expressway project, all 13 phases across Doha are slated for completion in 2015. The Salwa Road phase, which expands the 6.9km of road from Al Asiri Interchance (Midmac Roundabout) to Industrial Interchange at a cost of QAR1.59bn ($436m), was supposed to be completed by December 2012. Ashghal has since said it expects the project to be finished in mid-2013. The Gulf Times newspaper predicts an April 2013 opening, which would put the duration of the construction at nearly two years. The delays have been attributed to the scale of the project and previously, the intense summer heat. The next phase of the Doha Expressway project will tackle the stretch of Salwa Road from Al Asiri Interchange to A-Ring Road (passed the Radisson Blue Hotel on C-Ring, The Centre shopping complex, and the Jaidah flyover). ============================= The e-mail also violated a directive for her not to communicate with anyone outside the agency regarding the upcoming science curriculum review, officials said in the documents. "But even if I did, is that so horrible?" she said. Comer said she paused for a moment before forwarding the Forrest e-mail, but she felt sending it was OK because of Forrest's credentials. The New York Times reports that Comer said in response that she wanted the commissioner to indicate where Comer was "bashing anyone’s faith". “He just doesn’t get it,” Comer opined. Comer told the Spectator that since she was forced to resign, many teachers in rural Texas have contacted her to tell her that they are already being forced to teach creationism in Texas public school science classes The NABT encourages the TEA leadership to protect its science staff from the political crossfire so that they can provide state leadership in science education and assist the science teachers of Texas. As members of NABT, it is important to stay informed and involved both locally and at the state level. Todd Carter NABT President-2008 In mid 2008, Comer filed a suit in federal court in Austin, Texas, that stated that the policy she was terminated for contravening (which required employees to be neutral on the subject of creationism) was unconstitutional, as the Supreme Court of the United States has ruled that teaching creationism as science in public schools is illegal. Comer also stated in her complaint that she was fired without due process after serving as the state science director for nearly 10 years. Her lawsuit sought a court order overturning the neutrality policy on teaching creationism and declaring that her dismissal was illegal under the Constitution and her reinstatement.[28] A federal judge dismissed the lawsuit on March 31, 2009.[29] In August 2009, Comer appealed the dismissal decision to the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit (docket 09-50401). Appeal arguments were heard in April, 2010,[30] and the court ruled on July 2, 2010, that the TEA's policy does not violate the First Amendment's religious freedom clause because it does not advance or inhibit the practice of religion.[31] ==================== Insurance cover for flood-hit cars Posted about 22 hours ago by QatarNews in News All the vehicles that got trapped and damaged in the recent flood at Salwa road are eligible for claiming their insurance coverage, a top executive at a leading insurance company said. Khalifa Abdullah Turki Al Subaey, CEO, Qatar Insurance Group, said the concerned insurance companies are obliged to accept claims of the vehicle owners. Talking to an Arabic daily, Al Subaey said the vehicles were trapped on the Salwa road not because of floods, but due to water logging. Water logging cannot be considered as ‘natural disaster’, a provision that is being exempted from Qatar’s automobile insurance coverage. “Water logging was mainly because of the poor designing of the road. It cannot be considered as ‘a natural calamity’,” the daily quoted Al Subaey as saying. ====================== Comments Doha roads jammed with traffic following flooding, Salwa Road closure Curiosity Killed the Cat • 19 days ago Now who says Doha News can't be educational :) I enjoyed reading that! Curiosity Killed the Cat • 19 days ago Yes who knows what they've used now, maybe it is a passive until it's all linked up and well it's just more cost effective to scramble a few workers with tanks on a rainy day than build a dedicated pipe through the city and out to the sea. I read drainage is really tricky because we have a high water table and what are we a couple of metres above sea level? Getting water/damp smell out of car.... just as tricky... Curiosity Killed the Cat • 19 days ago Storm water drainage and sewage are two different and in most countries separate systems. The issue on Salwa is storm water drainage and not sewage ie poo. Most of Qatar roads are drained using "passive" seepage systems. The water drains to a large hole, for better words, and the water seeps into the surrounding sand and down into the water table. Why such a simple system? Because it rains 5 days a year and it's cost and time effective to build. Active drainage systems are interconnecting drains and pipes which in most cases lead out into the sea, the stuff you see in movies. There is actually very little of this type currently in Qatar, it's simply not cost effective at this point. This is changing and eventually you will see suburbs built with this infrastructure before the houses go in, along with roads, gutters, water, elec (now it's house first then utilities "sometime later"). Like everything it comes down to time and money. "One day" these Salwa tunnels will be hooked up to active drainage in Abu H until then folks don't drive your white Mercedes salon into water that is obviously too deep to pass, and make your poor wife scramble in waist high water. Look out for your safety first.