The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) is making use of AI to improve the efficiency of project implementation and maintenance, a senior official told Qatar TV. Technical Office director engineer Khaled Abdullah al-Njajjar said Ashghal is currently using AI to analyse data to find out if there are any defects or cracks in the road.

“In addition to that, we are planning to implement pre-fixing plans to reduce the number of times we need to fix the road. The AI that we are working on will help us in implementing the plans to improve the efficiency of the projects and their maintenance,” he explained.

Regarding the implementation of the projects that were recently awarded by Ashghal, al-Najjar said, some will take two to three years, depending on the implementation plan. “The contracts related to operation and maintenance will focus on the operation and maintenance of roads and health care networks,” he said, while observing that they will allow Ashghal to use the latest systems in the construction sector.

“This includes data analysis systems with artificial intelligence, laser scanning cars for roads and health care networks in order to identify the shortcomings as well as the implementation of priority improvements,” he added.

Ashghal on Sunday announced 13 new contracts worth QR 12bn to enhance the infrastructure of road and drainage networks and public buildings and improve the quality of life in Qatar. The new projects that were awarded include road network operation and maintenance works, drainage networks operation and maintenance works, construction of three new schools, improving safety and fire systems in 40 existing schools, refurbishment of the Psychiatric Hospital of Hamad Medical Corporation, and renovation of Al Zubara Horse Breeding Farm.