The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) yesterday observed the Qatar Human Rights Day by planting trees on Al Khor Road Project.
Joining hands with Newton International School-Lagoona students, Ashghal planted 60 trees as part of the ongoing ‘Qatar Beautification and Our Kids Planting Trees’ campaign being implemented by the Supervisory Committee of Beautification of Roads and Public Places in Qatar in co-ordination with the Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME).
Apart from the MME, the committee works in co-ordination with several ministries and other entities such as the Ministry of Transport and Communications, Ministry of Culture and Sports, Qatar Museums Authority, Qatar Railway Company and Private Engineering Bureau for project implementation.
The committee is responsible for five major tasks including the construction of central public parks, provision of dedicated lanes for pedestrians and bicycles, development of the Doha Corniche, development of Central Doha and increasing afforestation and greenery areas.
The event was attended by several government representatives, including National Human Rights Committee’s assistant secretary-general Sultan bin Hassan al-Jamali, Administrative and Financial Affairs Department manager Hamad Majid al-Marzouqi and Public Relations and Media Department deputy manager Mohamed Safran. Ashghal’s Public Relations and Communications Department manager Abdulla Saad al-Saad, Al Khor and Al Thakhira Municipality Gardens Section acting head Mohamed al-Shahwani, and Newton International School-Lagoona principal Trudy Masterson were also present.
Al-Jamali said that national institutions play an important role in the implementation and follow-up of the 2030 Sustainable Development Objectives.
“The Ashghal-led planting campaign is one of the efforts to integrate disaster risk reduction measures into national strategies in light of the drought and desertification that are sweeping the world at an alarming pace every year,” he said.
Al-Jamali praised the great efforts exerted by all parties in the field of environmental protection pointing out that preserving the environment is an important part of the collective responsibility towards future generations.
Al-Saad said Ashghal is keen to focus on the environmental dimension of it’s projects in line with Qatar National Vision 2030 by establishing a balance between the economic, urban and social development and environmental sustainability.
“Treated water is used to irrigate the trees and green areas that we are planting. This is an additional factor that contributes to the protection of the environment and enhances sustainability through the use of renewable sources and the conservation of water,” he said.
Al-Shahwani said that planting trees has an essential role in improving the quality of life both in terms of health as it contributes to the purification of air and increasing oxygen level.
“It also aesthetically improves the overall image of the country. We hope to see more of these efforts with the co-operation of all parties.”
Masterson said that the school is proud to get involved in tree planting within the program to contribute to the strengthening of Qatar’s ecosystem.
The Al Khor road that was constructed by Ashghal as part of the expressway programme is characterised by it’s vital location.
It serves more than 20 residential areas such as Al Khor, Doha, Simaisma and Lusail.
The road is directly connected to major roads such as Tarfa Road, Al Majd Road and Qatar University Street.
Al Khor Road offers direct links to Al Bait Stadium and Lusail Stadium as well as a railway track (Qatar Rail) along the road.
The project includes landscaping covering 3.5mn sq m, more than 30,000 trees and street furnishings including 100 benches and 80 bicycles.
The project also offers 33km of pedestrian and bicycle paths, as well as a 33km Olympic cycle path.
The supervisory committee’s campaign will enhance sustainability through minimising environmental pollution and reducing the emission of CO2 through minimised consumption and conservation of energy resources.
It also focuses on the provision of more public transport options aiming at reduced use of private cars and improve lifestyle through clean and safe transportation.
It also works for ensuring a healthy environment within residential neighbourhoods and places of public gatherings through increased afforestation and landscaping, which will greatly help in reducing the temperature in cities.
Newton International School-Lagoona attending u201cQatar Beautification and Our Kids Planting Treesu201d campaign.
