The Ministry of Transport and Communications (MoTC) has signed a memorandum of understanding MoU with the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) on planning, studying, designing, maintaining and managing road projects.
The MoU will upgrade the level of collaboration, joint efforts and constructive co-operation between the two sides with the aim of providing a safe, integrated transportation system in line with the best universal practices and standards within the tasks and competencies of the two parties, according to a press statement.
The MoTC and Ashghal aim to develop and manage mobility and transportation projects as an integrated network compatible with other modes of transportation in an efficient, economic, safe and environment-friendly fashion. The two sides aim to fulfil the needs of Qatar in mobility and transportation in line with the Second National Development Strategy (2018-2022) and Qatar National Vision 2030, the statement notes.
The MoU was signed by MoTC acting assistant undersecretary of Land Transport Affairs Hamad Essa Abdulla and Ashghal president Dr Saad bin Ahmed al-Muhannadi.
The MoU defines and explains the "roles, missions and responsibilities of the two sides based on Amiri decisions in such a way that avoids duplication and limits overlapping competencies by activating a joint working mechanism for planning, studying, designing, implementing,
operating, maintaining and managing road projects in the country according to approved development plans, implementation priorities and by following up the implementation according to the set delivery timelines", the statement explains.
This also includes taking all necessary measures and activating the road assets delivery mechanism after road projects have been carried out by the contractor and the end of the period dedicated for maintenance.
Additionally, there will be an activation of a joint working mechanism regarding putting the necessary strategies and plans for maintaining and managing road projects and networks as well as co-ordinating on the resolution of complaints from the public, doing the necessary maintenance works, developing and boosting co-operation to benefit from their capabilities in joint fields and stimulating sustainable economic and social development for Qatar.
The MoU also covers activating community participation, facilitating co-operation, transferring knowledge and technology for supporting the efforts of achieving Qatar National Vision 2030 in this domain, as well as realisng mutual benefits, services and expertise that each party can make available for the other.
Land Transport Affairs at the MoTC is preparing the necessary studies for planning and designing land transportation networks and railroads, as well as governance of the land transportation system in accordance with latest systems and best global practices in the field.
This is aimed at widening the scope of the economic movement, catering to the requirements of national development and achieving Qatar National Vision 2030, the statement adds.
Ashghal carries out infrastructure projects across the country according to the recommendations of the MoTC and the comprehensive plans, strategic studies, concept designs, priorities, recommendations, reports, researches and the like.
Signing this MoU reflects the two parties’ interest in co-ordinating relevant business, bolstering co-operation on planning, designing, implementing and maintaining road projects in Qatar.
