Most of the school buildings currently under construction in Qatar’s western area are expected to be ready by next year, it was announced at a community meeting hosted by the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) earlier this week in Rayyan.
The school buildings are in different phases of construction in Al Oteiqa, Al Wajba, Al Karaana, Umm al Sanim, and Shahaniya.
Two other schools and kindergartens are in the design phase in Al Meerad and Rawdat al Rashed while six schools are in the tender phase in Rawdat al Burj and Al Meerad.
All new school buildings are built to a standard design. The total construction area of each of them is approximately 9,159sqm. Each building will have a capacity to host 650 students in 25 classrooms.
A resident told the meeting that the schools in the area, as those elsewhere have been immaculately designed and well equipped but do not have centralised kitchens to meet the requirements of the children.
Ashghal officials said they are meeting all standard requirements as stipulated by the local authorities and adequate arrangements are already available at most schools to prepare and serve light refreshments.
Issues concerning the cafeteria and the other food requirements will not come under Ashghal’s jurisdiction, said an Asghal official. “If the parents and children have any grievances on such issues they should be brought to the attention of the country’s educational authorities,” the resident was told.
Ashghal officials maintained that school buildings have been designed in line with the Qatari rules and regulations and meet the requirements of special needs children. “The buildings are equipped with the accessibility ramps and restrooms.”
