19 Ashghal projects worth QR40bn under way

DOHA: The Public Works Authority (Ashghal), in the framework of the ongoing Expressway Programme is implementing 19 projects that cost around QR40bn, in which Qatari companies, including contracting and major subcontractors, are playing significant role with their shares exceeding 50 percent. Ashghal over the year 2014 has accomplished various achievements through the implementation of a number of major vital infrastructure projects and public buildings as part of its mission to keep pace with the overall development witnessed by various economic sectors of the country, according to a report by Qatar News Agency. The report said that Ashghal has achieved a great progress in the implementation of highway projects, including the opening of Al Huwailah Link Road leading to Ras Laffan City to traffic last October the development of the Iron Bridge, located at Khamis Al Obaidly Roundabout, to traffic, the F-Ring Road (the sixth ring road in Doha), the East Industrial Road and announcing the opening of the new Temporary Truck Route connecting Salwa Road west of the industrial area with Lusail Development. Ashghal is working to accelerate the pace of achievements by completing a group of prominent highway projects over the next three-four years , including the Lusail Expressway, the Development of Al Rayyan Road, Dukhan Highway Central project, the East-West Axis roads, Al Muntazah mainline and the North Road project. Among the most prominent highway projects being implemented in 2014, the Orbital Highway and Truck Route Project aimed at achieving a better connectivity for Dukhan, Mesaieed Industrial City and Ras Laffan Industrial City. It is a vital addition to the roads network as it will form a free flowing traffic route connecting the northern and southern regions without the need to travel through Doha City. Another major project is the Al Wakra parallel highway project is being implemented in 2014. It links Shamal to Mesaieed, and features an 11-km road with five lanes on each side and a four two-level intersections as well as pedestrian and cycle lanes. On the integrated infrastructure projects, Ashghal is implementing projects worth QAR 3.7 billion and is expected to finalize the design and completion of 80 integrated infrastructure projects in new areas and 75 projects in other areas over the fiscal year 2014-2015. Amid the most comprehensive infrastructure development projects, is the development project of local roads and infrastructure in the Bani Hajer area, north of Doha, Al Khissa, Abu Hiran, the Industrial area and the development of infrastructure for the Commercial Street in Al Khor. Ashghal also implemented road projects serving the traffic flow; namely diverting roundabouts to intersections, the C-Ring Road development project, which first phase was opened as per schedule in September 2014, with a view to easing traffic congestion during peak hours. It has also announced new traffic diversions on the streets leading to Dahl Al Hamam roundabout. In regard to drainage projects, tender documents for the design and construction of the northern, central and southern main drainage tunnel (phase 2) of the Inner Doha re-sewerage Strategy were announced in February 2014. This integrated programme responds to the needs of the projected population growth for the next 50 years. When completed, it will remove more than 35 existing pumps in inner Doha, which will be replaced by a single deep terminal pump station located at about 35km away from Doha. Among the major drainage projects Ashghal is currently implementing is the Mesaimeer tunnel (Abu Hamur) for the drainage of surface and ground water. The project is scheduled to be completed by the first quarter of 2017 together with sewage water treatment north of Doha. Ashghal is also embarking on the construction of health projects. The overall cost of projects currently under construction is about QR1.77bn, and the completion percentages range between 50 and 80 percent. In addition, the public works authority is busy in implementing a numbenr of other important projects, including those in the health, education and other social sectors that are in various stages of construction. The Peninsula