Ashghal announces QR81bn infrastructure projects

The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) announced the launch of an ambitious five-year plan worth more than QR 81 billion to implement vital projects across various infrastructure sectors, ranging from the development of citizens' lands, government building projects, sewage networks to strategic outfalls. This strategic step outlines the features of Qatar's infrastructure over the next five years.This was unveiled during a press conference, during which HE President of Ashghal Engineer Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Meer outlined the most prominent features of the new plan, which complements a rich history of infrastructure achievements that have contributed to qualitative leaps over the past years, particularly during the period of hosting the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.HE Al Meer said that Ashghal is going to launch and implement a wide range of development projects during the coming period as part of the five-year plan 2025-2029, which is the biggest in the Authority's history in terms of the volume of investments and the number of projects. He added that these projects include the development of citizens' lands through the implementation of an integrated infrastructure that takes into account the concepts of 'humanization of cities' and focuses on improving the quality of life, in addition to constructing government buildings that serve vital sectors such as health, education, sports, and culture.He also stated that the Authority will implement advanced sewage and rainwater drainage projects, including strategic tunnels, pumping and treatment stations, and home connections, with the aim of reducing flooding and enhancing the efficiency of the national network.On the most prominent future projects, HE Al Meer announced the launch of the strategic outfalls project this year, one of the biggest sustainable projects for draining rainwater in the north and south of Doha, with plans to reuse the water for irrigation and cooling purposes, explaining that the project will consist of two phases: the first will see the launch of the main tunneling works in 2025, and the second will launch the sub-tunneling works in early 2026, in coordination with the Ministry of Municipality and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change.As part of the state's drive to strengthen the role of the private sector, His Excellency revealed new projects to be implemented under a public-private partnership system. The most notable of these projects is the development of infrastructure for more than 5,500 residential plots in various areas, he said, noting that the work involves the implementation of internal road networks and linking them to surrounding roads, in addition to the complete infrastructure of sewage and treated water, landscaping, and street lighting.He also said that the Authority is considering tendering the second phase of the wastewater treatment plant project in Al Wakra and Al Wukair under a partnership framework.Regarding pending projects, HE Al Meer noted that Ashghal adopted alternative plans and exceptional measures to support current contractors and ensure the completion of work, emphasizing that corrective measures will be taken to evaluate the performance of contractors and consultants and accelerate the pace of completion while maintaining quality and safety standards.As part of the government's commitment to enhancing the continued growth of the contracting sector, Ashghal announced financial and regulatory support worth QAR 21 billion provided to the sector, including in direct payments and burden-relief measures, particularly following the repercussions of the Covid-19 pandemic. These measures include replacing maintenance reserves with bank guarantees in advanced projects, extending contracts for pending projects, and activating periodic contractor performance evaluations.The Authority also reported significant progress in implementing the local added value program (ICV), which aims to support local companies and enhance economic independence. It recorded positive results, most notably an increase in the number of companies registered with Ashghal from 201 in the first quarter of 2022 to 733 in the third quarter of 2024, an increase in the percentage of contracts awarded to local suppliers to 77 percent, compared to only 10 percent in 2022, and a decrease in the percentage of companies whose certificates were not renewed from 47 percent to 11 percent, with a jump in ICV points from 3,024 to more than 23,447 points.In the digital transformation and enhancement of operational efficiency, Ashghal launched an initiative to automate financial data for service providers to expedite tendering procedures and reduce administrative burdens. This initiative relies on a central database that eliminates the need to upload financial data repeatedly. It also enables proactive monitoring of contractors' performance, allowing timely action to be taken to avoid any potential challenges.In this context, HE Engineer Al Meer pointed out that Ashghal is developing the 'smart contracts' initiative to raise levels of transparency and reliability, and reduce costs and human interventions through the use of advanced digital technologies in contract management, adding that this step represents a qualitative shift in the path of contract and project management, in line with Qatar National Vision to promote innovation and sustainability.He also pointed out that the Authority's corporate strategy for the period 2024-2030 will soon be accompanied by the launch of Ashghal's new identity with an updated look that reflects the Authority's future plans, as part of Ashghal's journey towards achieving the Third National Development Strategy, leading to Qatar National Vision 2030.Through this strategy, he explained, the Authority seeks to become a global leader in project and asset management by providing distinguished services and infrastructure that keep pace with the aspirations of future generations. He pointed out that Ashghal's primary mission is to deliver and manage assets, projects, and services in a sustainable manner to satisfy its customers.He further said that Ashghal will work to confront all challenges in order to maintain Qatar's position among the ranks of developed countries by giving top priority to implementing sustainable infrastructure projects that will benefit future generations and moving more towards digital transformation in all operations and procedures.At the end of his speech, HE Al Meer thanked the wise leadership for its unlimited support of the infrastructure sector, stressing Ashghal's commitment to implementing projects with the highest standards of quality and efficiency, and achieving sustainable development befitting Qatar's global standing.