Ashghal continues to support small-scale Qatari contractors through Ta’heel Initiative

The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has said it continues to support small-scale Qatari contractors through its road development works while implementing the Small-Scale Qatari Contractors Initiative, Ta’heel.

Launched in 2018, the initiative comes as part of Ashghal’s keenness to provide an appropriate environment for the growth of Qatari companies in line with the country’s strategy to support local Qatari products, the authority has said in a statement.

Saoud al-Tamimi, Roads Projects Department manager, said Ashghal is keen to implement the country’s approach to rely on national expertise and empower them "by taking several measures to support the Qatari producer, contractor and consultant, in addition to reducing reliance on foreign companies for the implementation of infrastructure projects".

He noted that the total value of the nine contracts awarded as part of the initiative has reached QR189mn to date, adding that Ashghal is working on awarding four new contracts worth QR120mn.

Al-Tamimi explained that through road improvement contracts implemented by Qatari companies, Ashghal provides the opportunity for new investors and contractors to implement small projects, which qualifies them to work on strategic projects in the country and compete in the local market in preparation for larger projects in the future.

During the years 2020 and 2021, five new road improvement contracts have been awarded to Qatari contractors with a total value of about QR129mn within Ta’heel.

Ali Ashkanani, head of the Northern Areas Section in the Roads Projects Department, said Ashghal has qualified many national manufacturers and given priority to Qatari manufacturers, local products and suppliers to provide the main materials used in infrastructure within road development projects by encouraging them and increasing their participation.

Fahad Mohamed al-Otaibi, head of the Western Areas Section in the Roads Projects Department, said the authority supports new contractors by training them and introducing companies to the best practices in projects, especially because Ashghal doesn’t require companies to have previous experience with the authority in the roads or road maintenance projects.

The scope of work within the road improvement projects includes grading of roads, asphalt paving, construction of pedestrian crossings and sidewalks, adjustment of existing manholes or drainage covers, service crossings as well as the enhancement of traffic safety such as installation of directional signs and road marking.

Sheikh Mishaal al-Thani, representative of Turnkey Contracting Company, said the opportunity to work with Ashghal on various projects in the country would allow the company to gain experience in the implementation of projects.

“It will prove our presence in the field at a national level and develop the capabilities and skills of our engineers in a way that qualifies our company to compete in the global market in the future. Therefore, we value Ashghaltarget="_blank"'>