A bout 40% of works on the first phase of the Mesaimeer tunnel project that will discharge surface and groundwater into the sea has been completed, local Arabic daily Al Sharq has reported, quoting a source from the Public Works Authority (Ashghal).
The current phase of the project is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2015 and the entire project by the first quarter of 2017. The authority has entered into a contract with a specialised company to execute the project at a cost of QR440mn, the daily states.
The Mesaimeer tunnel project includes the design and construction of a 9.5km tunnel that is expected to solve Doha’s stormwater issues.
The main tunnel will run along F-Ring Road from the Mesaimeer roundabout (Woqod petrol station) and reach the sea to the south of Hamad International Airport, according to the report.
It could be recalled that the flooding caused in parts of Salwa Road following heavy rainfall in March was attributed to the lack of an outlet to dispose of the excess water that had accumulated in the drainage system as it was not linked to the final point.
The Mesaimeer tunnel project, once completed, would serve as the link and help avoid such situations.
Meanwhile, some residents of Al Wukair have complained of continued accumulation of groundwater in a residential area, as reported in Al Sharq.
They said groundwater started emerging a month ago in limited quantities and at irregular intervals, but it has increased of late and accumulated near houses, some of which are new and yet to be occupied, according to the daily.
People living in the area have complained that the groundwater sometimes reaches the courtyards and rooms of their houses, expressing fear that this may cause damage to their properties. Further, they point out that this phenomenon also poses a health hazard and causes inconvenience as it accumulates on parts of streets and yards, thereby impeding traffic flow and pedestrian movement, the report further states.
The residents have urged Al Wakrah Municipality to take suitable action at the earliest, the report adds.