Ashghal Issue11 Eng

2

While implementing various projects in different sectors, Public Works Authority (Ashghal) strives to satisfy the public demand ensuring maximum quality in line with latest international standards. Within its plan in the buildings sector, Ashghal implements a bunch of schools and kindergartens. During this year and up to the first quarter of year 2009, a bunch of 41 schools and 30 kindergartens shall be handed over to the Ministry of Education. Earlier, Ashghal could handover 5 new schools and 8 Kindergartens in the city of Doha and suburbs before August 15, a little earlier to the due date that falls on the first of September. Another bunch of 13 schools and 8 kindergartens shall be handed over to the Ministry by end of November 2008. All these educational projects budgeted for the current year costs 275 million Qatar Riyals.

On the other hand, by last July and August, another batch of 25 new schools and 20 kindergartens were implemented to solve the problem of lack of capacity of independent schools during the academic year 2007-2008. This necessi-tated increasing the annual budget for the school projects from 275 million riyals to 879 million riyals. The new school buildings include latest facilities including 25 classrooms, five labs, multipurpose sports hall built in accordance with the Olympic standards, three swimming pools, one assembly hall, two drawing rooms, restaurant, outdoor stadium and parking. The main school building is equipped with centralized air conditioning. The new kindergarten buildings are distinct with latest design specifications for school buildings. There are two types of kindergarten buildings: the first type includes six classrooms and the second type includes 12 classrooms. All these KG schools are distributed in Doha and suburbs.

It is worth mentioning that the Buildings Affairs of Public Works Authority implements several educational projects such as schools, kindergartens, in addition to facilities like sports halls, swimming pools, KG development centers and other educational development centers, and all these are implemented ensuring international quality and standard. So far, more than 50 schools were handed over to the Ministry of Education to fill shortage of buildings for Independent schools.

The educational projects in the five-year plan of Ashghal has bagged about 36% of the total budget of building af-fairs, in which Ashghal has prepared a plan to establish 100 independent schools throughout the five years. Presently there are 60 schools at hand and by next academic year, 41 schools shall be submitted, two years earlier from the deadline for submission of projects. By this endeavor, the number of state schools in the country will increase to reach 210 schools.

Ashghal takes the lead role in the projects by preparing the engineering design for the schools, kindergartens and attached amenities such as playgrounds, sport halls, laboratories etc, and supervise its implementation in line with international specifications. Once completed, Ashghal will handover the buildings to the Ministry of Education or Supreme Education Council.

New Schools for the New Academic Year

3

Editorial

4

Inside Pages

Dialogue P. 14

Survey P. 8

Report P. 30

Report P. 26

Colonel Ma’rafiaHead of Traffic Safety and Planning and Patrol Dept, MOI

Umm Lakhba Interchange:Mixed Public Reaction

Dukhan International Highwayon the verge of completion

Abu Nakhla Lagoonsolutions developed

A Periodical Magazine Published byPublic Works Authority "Ashghal"

Volume (11) - Year (4) - October 2008

Editor in ChiefHamad Rashid Al Kuwari

Managing EditorMeshal Abdulaziz Alsulity

Editorial TeamAbdul Mohsen Ghanem

Khaled Al Mannai

TranslationAbdulla Chevidikkunnan

PrinterAl Jazi Al Muhandi

Proof ReadingAmir Kamil

Ads. DesignAmal Al-Swidi

Letters toEditor in Chief

Post Box 22188 - Doha, QatarWeb-site: www.ashghal.com

Graphics & PrintingAli Bin Ali Printing Press

The Ashghal Team (1) has won the bowling championship in the Tournament for Governmental Institutions and Authorities held on Monday, June 30, 2008. Ashghal has won the match from the (26) teams contested in the match representing various institutions and authorities of the state. The second position was won by the Qatar Petroleum Team by a margin of 349 (solo) and 12 (points) and the Hamad Medical Corporation Team won the third place.

The tournament was held between 24th March 2008 24 until the end of June 2008. The winning team of first position includes Mahmud Khaled Zaher (captain), Ahmed Al-Obaidali, Santhosh John, Abdul Ghani Karama and George Abenoja. Whereas the Ashghal Team (2) won the 14th position and the team includes Yuusf Munif (captain), Hamad Essa, Abdul Hadi Makki, Mohamed Al-Baker, Mohamed Al-Bashbashi and Radi Al-Hajeri. Ashghal Team (3) that won the 8th position includes Frazer Ulod Anami, (captain), Mamdoh Al-Sarhani, Fuad Antonios, Mawahjan Haj and Husian Sadiq.

Mr. Meshal Abdulaziz Al-Sulaiti, Head of Media Relations at Ashghal handed over the championship cup to the winning team, and distributed medals and shields to the outstanding players. For his part, H E Eng Zayed Mansour Al-Khayarin, CEO

of Ashghal met the winning team on Wednesday, July 9, 2008 at the conference hall in the presence of Mr. Hamad Rashid Al-Kuwari, the Public Relations Manager. The CEO appreciated the winning team and emphasized the provision of facilities and follow-up exercises and preparing for the coming championships. The winning team presented the championship trophy to the CEO.

Ashghal Team WinsBowling Championship

• 26 teams competed for the championships.

• Ashghal CEO Receives the team.

• AL Sulaiti crowns the trophy.

5

Follow Up

One of the major road projects of Ashghal within its Five Year Plan to establish a modern road network to cope with the urban boom in the state is the “22 February Interchange and Amir Street project.” This project is also a major phase of the 15bn Doha Expressway project, which is under implementation in many phases.

The Doha Expressway project department at Ashghal has succeeded in solving all the problems and obstacles in the way of the progress of work since the start of implementation in January 2006. Recently, the project manager appointed by the executing company has been replaced for the interest of the work and to accelerate completion, considering the delay of project from the due date specified in the plan.

Now, having the hurdles removed, work is moving at an

accelerated pace and 52% of the infrastructure has been completed. The initial budget of the project is one billion riyals, and is implemented as joint venture of German based Bilfinger-Berger and UAE based Al Hamad Contracting Company. The total length of the project is about 6 km on the Doha Expressway and 5.5 kilometers along access roads to the highway. It includes four major interchanges namely, Omar bin Khatab Interchange, Rayyan Street Interchange, Sadd Interchange and Jowan Interchange. The proportion of infrastructure works and road works in the project is 45% and 55% respectively.

Main Street of “22 February Interchange” to Open in June 2009

• contracting company replaces the Project manager to accelerate the work

6

Project News

Omar bin Khatab Interchange intersects Mecca Street with Doha Expressway and it includes construction of a tunnel in the direction of Mecca Street with two lanes and shoulders in each direction along 395meters with 120meters covered, in addition to re-construction of 518 meters along Mecca Street. With regard to works, 100% of the construction works have been completed while continuing the works of service roads and fillings.

The Rayyan Street Interchange will have four levels. 800 meters long Rayyan tunnel with three lane dual carriageway and side shoulders; Rayyan bridge with two-lane dual carriageway along 800 meters towards New Rayyan Street; link road with two lanes and shoulders along 380 meters between 22 February Street and Rayyan Street. At ground level there will be a roundabout with three lanes facilitating movements to all directions and Rayyan road will be reconstructed along 2200 meters. In this project, altogether 90 % of the work is accomplished in the construction of Rayyan roundabout, Rayyan bridge and the 24 meter high flyover, the first of its kind in Qatar. Presently, work is in progress for the completion of approach roads that link the bridges with the streets.

The Sadd Interchange project includes reconstruction of Sadd Street along 1200 meters, which intersects with Doha Expressway, reconstruction of Sadd Tunnel on the direction of Sadd Street with two-lane dual carriageway along 700 meters out of which 180 meters covered. With regard to works, even the last obstacle has been overcome and the works for the interchange is in the full swing. 100% of excavation works are over and due to the problems of old cables and other service lines, construction works have been accomplished up

to 60%.

The Jowan Interchange includes reconstruction of the street along one kilometer to intersect with the expressway. A signaled intersection will be constructed on the direction of Jowan Street. Jowan Tunnel, a major portion of the project, will be constructed towards the expressway and it will have three lane dual carriage way and shoulder protection along 700 meters with 90 meter covered. Works on the project have begun soon after the completion of Asian Games Doha 2006 and 50% of the works have been accomplished. Now, focus is given to achieve the remaining half.

It is noteworthy that the present overall plan for the project focuses on opening the main street of Doha Expressway from Omar bin Khatab Interchange to Jowan Interchange. The plan is to open this part for traffic before the beginning of academic year in the coming September. This opens up way to link the project with the already achieved Landmark Interchange and up to DRing - ERing Interchange that includes Al Asiri Interchange. However, in the present plan, only the main street will be operating while works will continue on service roads until the project is fully achieved.

In order to achieve the project soon, now the working hours have been extended to 24 hours. This has been decided to overcome the delay, to ease the chaos of sound and fury for the residents near the project site, especially at

nights. The delay in the project was mainly due to the presence of groundwater fountains in the site, the last of which was found near the earlier Jaidah Petrol Station along Rayyan Street.

• Bridgework continues with the opening of Doha Expressway

• Round the clock work to avoid delays

52 % of the infrastructure works

completed7

Project News

Mr. Amar Al Junaidi

Umm Lakhba Interchange is known after the name of the area. It has reference to a small garden that was formed in low-level land, hidden from the sight of people. The place is exactly near the old Municipal Quarters on the north side just before the Landmark shopping mall. Umm Lakhba Interchange is the new project that intersects Markhia Street with North road named after the area. The renaming was based on recommendation by the committee assigned to re-naming of streets and areas of the state.

The committee finds new names in consultation with the local community who might have given a name for the street or area that has roots in the local culture and it shall be in the colloquial linguistic form. This is also due the higher authority recommendation to rename streets and areas with names of popular personalities or landmarks, as a token of honor to them.

The opening of Umm Lakhba Interchange, popularly known

Umm Lakhba Interchange:Mixed Public Reaction

as Landmark Interchange, has opened a clamor in the society. In a survey conducted for Ashghal magazine, people responded for and against the project. The following is the gist of the public response. Al Junaidi: the project has alleviated traffic crowd

Mr. Amar Al Junaidi, a shop vendor at the Landmark Shopping Complex is a supporter of the project. He says the project has alleviated the crowding traffic in the region and reduced the proportion of traffic accidents and the traffic signal inside the tunnel is a good measure. However, in the beginning there was lack of proper signboards, which was solved later, and now there are proper signboards and warning signage on the road, which help the drivers to be careful and to reduce speed, Al Junaidi comments. He also said, “In the early days of opening, some youths were

8

Survey

madly running to the tunnel. However, after proper traffic measures taken, including fixing radar before the signal, over speed is not a problem.”

Mr. Moayyed Zoubi supports this view saying that the project is a good thing implemented

for the first time in Qatar, giving equal chance for passengers from all directions to take a return route or to enter into any sub street. He also supports the idea of radar before the signal as it helps to reduce speed in the tunnel, saving lives of innocent people.

Mrs. Umm Mohammed: We want to reduce traffic signals; but you post it even in tunnels? Mrs. Umm Mohammed is also for the project because it resolves traffic jam in the area. However, she vehemently opposes the traffic signal in the tunnel, arguing “it will not help solving the traffic congestion, especially during peak hours”, adding “the idea of the tunnel is good, but traffic signals in the tunnel, in my view, is a mistake. It was better to have a tunnel and two bridges, there was no need of a signal there.” She strongly criticizes the signal within the tunnel “we are looking for measures that reduce the number of signals, whereas you people install it even inside the tunnels!” She is also against the radar installed near signals in the tunnel.

Al Ehbabi: Reflecting mirror to be fixed to see vehicles coming from opposite direction Many people share the same

view including Mr. Awaidah Naser Ehbabi, Ahmad Hasan and Elie Yaccoub. They all support the project but argue that the traffic signal within the tunnel need to be reviewed, because it creates more congestion in the tunnel during

peak hours, adding chaos to the already huge traffic crowd behind Landmark area due to non-completion of the project in terms of providing adequate entrances and exits for cars and residents of the region.

They also pointed to a problem, an engineering or technical error in the project, in the direction of Dahl-al-Hamam roundabout towards the tunnel.

Those who turn right towards north get surprised by cars coming from the south from Jawazat Bridge. They suggest putting reflection mirror so that drivers can see cars coming from southward.

They added that at the beginning of the project, there have been some traffic accidents, by speeding motorcyclists or by some reckless car drivers. When the project was in the process of construction, the accidents were fatal,

Mr. Awaidah Naser Ehbabi

Mr. Ahmad Hasan

Mr. Elie Yaccoub

Mr. Moayyed Zoubi

9

Survey

but - thankfully - when people became accustomed to the project, the traffic signal and radar, no accidents are reported from the interchange. Mr. Walid Mohammed supports the idea of the project with some reservation, saying, “The project solve the traffic crisis in the region to some extent and also the tunnel is an excellent idea. However, traffic lights within the tunnel create traffic congestion at certain times. It could have been avoided and best option was multi-layer flyover.” Yafie: Some aesthetic touches like paintings to be done in the tunnel Mr. Khalid Thabit Yafie is in full support of the project saying the new and innovative idea has linked the highway over many areas, solved the problem of traffic congestion, and traffic has become much easier and more streamlined. He has a reason for accidents “the problem of traffic accidents are not due to signals or roundabouts, but due to Mr. Khalid Thabit Yafie

over-speeding, negligence and lack of attention to the road.”

In his opinion, the idea of traffic lights within the tunnel is an excellent idea and regarding the tunnel, he says, “in this interchange, tunnel is the only solution. It is not possible to have flyover due to the narrow area surrounded with commercial centers and markets.”

Mr Yafie also supports the idea of radar near the traffic lights, and suggests keeping signboards immediately after Duhail roundabout at specific meter intervals indicating the existence of traffic signals in the tunnel. Humps can

also be made in the form of lines to alert drivers to reduce the speed before entrances to the tunnel at a distance of 200 to 300 meters. These lines can be marked with fluorescent paints as it is already found in some roundabouts. Some of such liens are already there in the tunnel, but they are very near to the tunnel, more such alerting lines need to be created at sufficient distance from the tunnel.

Yafie also suggests for more lighting in the tunnel, especially at the beginning of entering the tunnel from the north and south where the existing lights are week and they are placed only on one direction. He also stressed the need to put some finishing aesthetic touches with beautiful paintings on the wall of the tunnel. In addition, proper signboards have to be placed in different languages like Arabic, English, Urdu etc at proper distances from the tunnel. On the contrary, Mrs. Umm Jassim believes the idea of the project does not appear feasible, because the objective is to reduce intersections and traffic signals and to replace them with non-stop expressways comprising more bridges and tunnels to facilitate diversions from the main highway. “If you could have placed traffic signals at the former roundabouts with an additional overbridge, it could have been better and economical,” she remarks.

Road Designs Dept.: Site of interchange rule out implementation of over bridge. The designing was implemented at lowest appropriations

10

Survey

Umm Jasim also opines that the project did not solve the traffic crisis in the region, because most people either want to go to the Landmark complex or to the petrol station but the entrances to both are not sufficient. To her, the idea of traffic signals at the tunnel and the tunnel itself is not a good choice, because most people want expressways as in the developed countries.

Al Shahwani: The project has no role in accidents; it comes of excess speed of some hotheads Mr. Mohamed Jaber Shahwani shares the previous view opposing the project. He accuses of wrong planning which resulted in tightening the traffic congestion instead of solving it. A signal inside the tunnel is misguiding, and do not compensate the enormous amounts spent for. The signals are clear to the drivers who do not expect a signal in the tunnel and get puzzled.

Shahwani also accuses the project has consumed a lot of time and when came out, it disappointed the people who expected solution to the traffic congestion in the area. He also denied the view that the tunnel project reduced traffic accidents as he says, “the project has nothing to do with traffic accidents, as it comes because of over speed of some hotheads.”

However, Shahwani supports the idea of radar near the signal, but at the same time criticizes the closeness of all new projects of Passports, Garrafa, Umm Lakhba interchanges because, according to him, in the end they all serve the same purpose.

Mr. Mohamed Jaber Shahwani

Al Suwaidi: We should plan for the future and increase the tracks to serve us over the years Mr. Ibrahim Daham Suwaidi, Senior Finance Researcher at the Ministry of Economy and Finance supports the project saying, “Prior to the opening of this project, we had suffered from the hustle traffic in the area. Now it is better than before. But we must also plan for the future and increase the tracks to serve us over the years, because the population is at the rise and in some countries thy solve the problem with multi-track highways with 7 to 10 tracks.

Mr Suwaidi rejected the propaganda that the project has resulted in many traffic accidents. He retreated that the accidents occurred during or after the project were due to the drivers themselves. One youth drove his over speeding car leading himself to death, while the project was under construction. After the project was over, there was a case of tanker overturning due to the negligence of the driver. On the contrary, the project has actually helped to reduce accidents.

As for the traffic crowd, Suwaidi said that he passes by the interchange every day as his house is near to it. However, he does not see any congestion and as for accumulation of vehicles on the road during peak hours, it is a worldwide problem, not just that of Qatar. However, Suwaidi do not agree with the idea of signals within the tunnel and suggests an alternate proposal of tunnel, roundabout and bridge. Taking the example of Japan, who recently celebrated removal of last traffic signal, he said that many other countries are trying for getting rid of lighted traffic signals, replacing them with nonstop expressways comprising many tunnels and flyovers.

Mr Suwaidi also rejects the idea of radar near the signal saying the idea is not feasible because of the sudden

Road Designs Dept.: Site of interchange rule out implementation of over bridge. The designing was implemented at lowest appropriations

11

Survey

stopping of some vehicles, and suggests to put countdown system near the signal like in some States. At the end of his talk, he requested to take special attention on the dangerous area at

the juncture for the vehicles coming from landmark towards North, saying the drivers cannot overcome the speeding vehicles coming from the south inside the tunnel. The Department Clarifies:To represent all sides of the topic, after taking different views of the public pro and against the project, we should give a space for the road designs department of Infrastructure Affairs of Ashghal who is primarily responsible for the project.

The department clarifies that in the preliminary stage, extensive studies were conducted on the project, especially evaluating the size and pattern of current and future traffic. Identifying pedestrian crossing areas, factors of safety and security were measured in coordination with the designing consultant before proceeding with detailed designs. Thus, the total cost of the project was estimated in the initial design stage.

Several alternative solutions to the interchange have been identified, compared and after minute study of the size and pattern of traffic movements, the nature of the location of project and its utility to the surrounding area, it was inevitable to adopt the present structure of the interchange adding design of service roads to ensure traffic flow in both directions.

As for the main factor which necessitated us to adopt the tunnel instead of flyover along the road north was due to the existence of Jawazat Bridge and Garrafa Bridge which required avoiding a third bridge. The methodology adopted included the absorptive capacity, service level and other

characteristics. The location of the interchange ruled out the option of a bridge. Added to that the interchange was designed to be implemented at low proportion of possible appropriations.

On the other hand, the issue of drivers not expecting a signal within the tunnel was taken into consideration and therefore warnings and signboards were developed in accordance with universally adopted standards, calculating the safe distance in the event of stopping. The driver’s psychological factors were also considered and thus warning signals placed to alert drivers the presence of traffic signals. In addition, aesthetic elements were also considered in the design, including increasing the length of the bridge to achieve transparency of vision. It must be emphasized that the interchange provided a cruise in the free passage on the north road and service roads, as it has also provided safe passage in all directions to and from neighboring services, thanks to traffic lights within the tunnel. Thus, the interchange is a plus in promoting traffic safety.

Given the clarifications of the department, it is wrong to blame the engineering design for any accident that may happen on the roads, particularly at the Umm Lakhba Interchange. Our commitment to traffic signals, speed limits and general regulations is the basis for reducing traffic accidents.

The department also emphasizes that there is constant surveillance of traffic flow in this interchange and Ashghal will not hesitate to add any traffic signs or other measures to help improved traffic. It must be stressed that the State of Qatar, like the developed countries of the world, adopt the best global standards in the initial stage and detailed stage of design to ensure safety and quality in its infrastructure, as the authority exists just to develop the state’s infrastructure in accordance with best standards of quality and safety.

Mr. Ibrahim Daham AL Suwaidi

12

Survey

13

ColonelMohamed A. Ma’rafia

Head of Traffic Safety and Planning at the Traffic and Patrol Department speaks

to Ashghal

In an interview with Ashghal correspondent, Colonel Mohamed Abdurahim Ma’rafia, head of the traffic safety and planning section of the traffic and patrol department of MOI briefed the role of his section and its relation with the Ashghal projects. During the talks, he also narrated the challenge in front, the way they attain more safety techniques, the cooperation of other sectors including Ashghal, among other topics. The following is the excerpt.

14

Dialogue

The role and responsibility of Traffic Safety and Planning Section The department has four sections and our concern here will be the planning section. Its role is coordination with the state’s service institutions such as Ashghal, Urban Planning, Kahramaa,

Q Tel and other institutions, with regard to projects under implementation and completed ones concerning application of traffic safety, and urges those institutions to activate the concept of traffic safety for road users. The challenges The major problems come from the project contractor in terms of how to apply the rules of traffic safety such as putting signboards and warning boards in diversions, specifications of diversion in terms of width of road and the validity of the temporary asphalt etc.

Traffic diversions: now and then There is significant development in the new traffic diversions from the previous ones in terms of contractor’s commitment in implementing traffic safety rules, applying the latest techniques such as plastic barriers, flashing warning signals in work areas and the like.

Learning the latest techniques from abroadWe, at the traffic department visit many western countries to learn the latest techniques in traffic safety. The countries recently visited include Germany, France, Switzerland and Vienna

among other countries. In this, our role is to educate companies and inform them the latest technologies in the field of safety so as to import them from abroad. Cooperation with Ashghal Our cooperation with Ashghal has become almost a daily task. Together we coordinate the design of traffic diversions in terms of fixing entrances and exits to serve the residents and passerby. We also cooperate in many key projects. In general, there is continuous and fruitful cooperation with Ashghal and we do not face any problem in that. Future of projects and public complaintsQatar is now like a big workshop. Everyone works to bring Qatar in the most beautiful form. There is a list of projects ongoing and other projects yet to come. What is required from the public is to be patient and stand shoulder to shoulder for the future of Qatar.

Drawbacks in the run of the projectsThere are negative impacts in the implementation of projects. Most of them may be unintentional like narrowing streets during work because of overcrowded populated of the area, or the absence of appropriate space to expand the work area or for traffic diversion. Disrespect to the law regarding pedestrian linesUnfortunately, many drivers do not show respect to the pedestrian lines. You can see the vehicles passing by the pedestrian speedily, just ignoring even the existence of the passer-by as if it is the pedestrian who should stop and not vice versa. However, with the new traffic law in force, we find some positive response with regard to pedestrian

signals commitment, especially on the Corniche Street, City Center and the like. I think the issue needs more awareness until we reach an advanced stage in this area. There are severe

Borrowing latest safety technologies from

European countries

The problem

begins with the

contractor who

does not put

enough warning

boards.

15

Dialogue

No Compromise with Traffic Safety

speed humps placed by the committee concerned not by individuals.

Significant development in the new traffic diversions

punishments in the event of violation of such rules. Pedestrian Bridge on the Corniche streetThere was coordination between the Traffic, Ashghal and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Urban Planning regarding replacing pedestrian lines with over bridges in major areas such as Corniche. Ashghal has already implemented the idea in the newly open Landmark Interchange. The law regulating truck weightsLaw regulating movement of trucks on the busy streets is already in the force in the main streets of Doha, regarding weights on mobility, whereas, the law regarding fixed weights of trucks is in action in the Abu Samra border. The weight on mobility generally applies to major streets such as Abu Samra road, Mesaeed-Wakra road, North road etc. The truck drivers may undergo a sudden inspection on such roads to force them to insist on the maximum weight of the truck to 45 tons, and some trucks weight range between 21 tons and 34 tons.

A few words to the project managers and contractors Contractors must provide all equipment and tools necessary for safety before and during the project. The project managers shall follow the progress of work on an ongoing basis in terms of closures; there should be permanent coordination with the Traffic Department in this regard. They should insist the contractors on availability of alternative routes, the width of alternate road and the traffic flow.

As they must follow a permanent and continuous follow-up, in terms of changes that may occur on the traffic diversion due to damaged street traffic, whether because of the intensity of traffic from cars or due to fall of signboards. Finally, I thank Ashghal magazine for this opportunity to highlight the role of traffic department and to strengthen the fruitful cooperation for a best future for our beloved country.

T RUST

16

Dialogue

No Compromise with Traffic Safety

Of the qualities inherent in a Muslim personality, which should be unfailing, is the quality of trust. It is the quality that Allah Almighty have described as the quality of believers loyal to him, “and who are faithful to their trusts and to their pledges” (Q:23:8). The trust and pledge includes all that the human being carries in his worldly affairs, in word and deed. Trust in Islam is not just a behavior or description of ones culture. But it is a worship that Islamic Sharia insists and get rewarded for. Not only that, one’s faith in the only God will not be considered without this quality. For, the Messenger of Allah (Peace be Upon Him) has remarked “There is no faith in those who do not have trust; there is no religion in those who do not keep their pledge.” The most expensive wealth Allah has given to man, which he don’t have to regret beyond any symptomatic of what the world, as said in the Messenger’s (Peace be Upon Him) word: “four things if you have, never mind what you miss from this world: true words, keeping trust, good manners and chastity”. Keeping the trust includes keeping wealth, secrets, words, as well as meeting the deadlines and covenants. If nay one holds this quality, no doubt people incline towards him, trust him, appreciate and respect him. He would be considered as real believer, as described by the Messenger (Peace be Upon Him) “the believer is the one whom people trust over their blood and wealth.” On the contrary, the opposite of trust is treachery and treason, which is reprehensible in a Muslim and can not be characterized by Muslim, but is described as qualities of hypocrites by the Messenger of Allah (Peace be Upon Him): “If

ByDr SultanIbrahim al HashimiAssistant Dean of the Sharia College

at Qatar University

entrusted, he will cheat, will lie if he speaks, and

if promised traverses.”

He again said (Peace be Upon

Him) “Keep trust of those trusted you;

do not distrust those who distrusted you.” The noted scholar

Ibn Hajer remarks, “Treachery is forbidden, even in the case of a Dimmi (protected non-Muslim).” The practical forms of trust include: Being trustworthy in one’s responsibility entrusted with confidence in him, especially when they give full powers without reference in the performance of those jobs.

The trust of the contractor in performing the work entrusted in the fullest based on the agreed specifications, standards, and deadlines for delivery of the project. Such a contractor is in the place of a consultant whom the Messenger of Allah (Peace be Upon Him) described “the adviser is trusted one”, people trusted him in this views and deeds. Therefore, he must be trustful and execute the jobs entrusted.

Executing trusted work using best and quality materials, and avoid using low quality materials to save cost and increase profit. If one does so, he undoubtedly deceived the trusted. The Messenger of Allah (Peace be Upon Him) said, “If one points out something to his brother knowing that best is not to do that, he has surely cheated the brother.” Concealing secret information that concerns the interests of work. This includes tenders, official confidentialities etc. Lastly, executing trust is a worship to be rewarded for and to be punished on acting against it. Allah has commanded to be trustworthy “Behold, Allah bids you to deliver all that you have been entrusted with unto those who are entitled thereto” (Q: 4:58)

T RUST

17

Opinion

Public Works Authority “Ashghal” is one of the pioneering service authorities in the state and its projects are closely linked to the daily lives of the public. This distinctive position necessitates constant communication with the public, in which the positive image of the authority should reflect. With this objective, the public relations department of the authority established an effective organ to execute the tasks of communication and it is known as Call Center Unit. The unit acts as liaison between the public and the authority in matters of remarks and complaints of citizens and residents and delivers them to the concerned authorities as quickly as possible. The Tasks: To act as an effective liaison, the unit is obliged to carry out the following tasks: - Effective communication with the public

Mr. ballan

Openhearted Response to Complaints

Call Center Unit : The Link Between Ashghal and Public

A call center staff recieving complains

18

Report

- Highlight the positive image of the authority - Act as link between the Authority and other relevant

institutions and authorities - Provide all information and data of various kinds and

forms - Receive complaints by telephone, fax, Internet or in-

person and transfer them to the concerned sections or departments, follow its progress until it is fully completed and then refer to the complainant to inform him of all that has been done and provide the requested information

Register the remarks and suggestions and transfer it to the concerned sections or departments

The Team:Mr. Mohamed Taleb Ballan heads the team of the unit. His functions include direct supervision and reporting,

coordination and constant liaison with all departments and working to solve the problems.The unit officer Ms.Lulua Mohammed Naimi conduct follow-up of complaints and queries, and intimate all concerned departments and sections of the authority and provide the operators with required information and data. The Call Center Assistants, comprising Ms Safaa al-Muhannadi, Ms Huda al-Musallem and Nouf al Mari, deals with receiving telephone calls (complaints, suggestions, inquiries etc). This team is the actual link between the public and various departments of the authority. Their duty necessitates careful communication with the complainants to give feed back, registration and filing of complaints, intelligently work with any negative calls and absorbing the public anger in a sublime method.

The Process: The steps in dealing with complaints at the unit

Mr. Ballan follows the progress of work

19

Report

as below: - Receive the complaints through various means - by

telephone, fax، Internet or personal letters.- Register the name and contact details of the complainant

in order to respond to him later, regardless of the nationality or identity of the person, whether a citizen or resident, as we take into account the issue of complaint.

- Send the complaints to Engineers or the concerned department and analyze the progress. All the new information and data to be transferred to the concerned authority.

The concerned official will do the process of communication and feedback with the public by informing them information like concerned official or department, what has been done so far, the present position and the expected time to complete.

Beyond Office Hours: Contributing to overcome all difficulties and problems befalling on the citizens and residents, the public relations department of Ashghal has provided the emergency hotline # 4950000. All the calls received after office hours and on Friday and Saturday and during holidays shall be

registered from 3 pm to 10 pm. The unit head shall keep mobile and emergency calls shall be transferred to the concerned sections such as Drainage, Street lighting etc.

Helpdesk System: It is a structured system to react quickly and with more attention to the complaints. The complaints are quickly transferred to the concerned employee and if not replied within six hours, then the complaint shall automatically go to the concerned supervisor

of the employee, in order to avoid delays, to create a cordial atmosphere among the public, and to deal with the complaints seriously. In order to receive the complaints effectively the following steps have been taken in the system:

- The call center assistant will receive the phone call- The complaint will get registered and go to the authority

concerned through a special program.The program has been designed to respond to a complaint

within a specific time limit beginning from sending to the concerned official. This means that the recipient official shall consider the substance of the complaint and try to find solutions or justifications before the end of the time for reply.

- In case of delays or lack of response to the complaint, copies of the complaint shall be sent to officials and if it is repeated, the matter will reach higher authorities.

Accuracy system introduced for quick response to complaints

Working even on holidays

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Working even on holidays

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The infrastructure affairs of Public Works Authority “Ashghal” is in full swing in the implementation of the North Road in four phases, with each phase including a package of integrated infrastructure works, extended sewage lines and construction of bridges, tunnels, service roads, irrigation systems and other items.

The Umm Lakhba Interchange project (previously know as Landmark Interchange), one of the major projects within the Five Year Plan for “Ashghal”, is the first phase of North Road project. This interchange contributes to facilitate the movement of traffic between Dahl-al-Hamam roundabout and Gharafa, as commuters from North road can also have access to Gharafa interchange (Immigration interchange). This is in addition to all phases of the project, particularly sub streets, service roads, traffic signals at the tunnel, service roads on both sides of the highway and two pedestrian bridges. One major advantage is that commuters through Umm Lakhba Interchange can easily move to all directions.

This 3.5 km stretch will have three lanes in each direction with ground level bridge on north-south with three lane dual carriage, 1.2 km long tunnel on east-west with two lane dual carriage, traffic signals at the intersection of the tunnel, service roads on both sides, two footbridges in addition to upgraded infrastructure network and landscaping. The traffic signal at the intersection of tunnel is the first of its type in the state. This phase shall be

achieved with an estimated amount of 221m Qatari Riyals.

The second phase consists of 33 km road from the North Bridge to Al Khor Interchange including Semeisma. The works include construction of four-lane dual carriageway with service roads in addition to nine multilevel interchanges and weighbridge, as well as the development of infrastructure network and landscaping. Upgrading Semeisma Interchange along North coastal road is also part of this phase.

The stretch extending from Al Khor Interchange to Al Ruwais is the third phase of the project with a total length of 61 km. This road will link Al Khor Interchange and Al Ruwais towards north. The works include construction of four-lane dual carriageway with service roads on sides, 11 multi-level interchanges, five camel crossing underpasses, protection fence and two weighbridges in addition to the development of infrastructure and landscaping.

Whereas the fourth phase of North Road project will extend from Al Zabara Interchange up to Ras Usheirej, which consists the connection bridge between Qatar and Bahrain. This 35 km stretch project includes construction of four-lane dual carriageway, service roads on sides, six multi level interchanges, three camel underpasses, in addition to development of infrastructure network and landscaping. This phase is presently in the design stage.

North Road Project Progressing

Assessing Private

Laboratories

Introduction: In order to fulfill the desired role of the Quality, Safety and Environment Department (QSED) of Ashghal in monitoring the quality of private laboratories that collaborate with Ashghal, the department ensures the efficiency and credibility of these laboratories and the accuracy of tests carried out in various projects. Ashghal’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) approved the department’s proposal to conduct comprehensive assessment of these laboratories to enable their accreditation with the authority, and to prepare a list of such accredited laboratories in accordance with the specifications and standards set by Ashghal regarding the lab’s efficiency as an integrated system. The laboratory accreditation process that began in 2006 includes the following steps:

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1. Field survey:The initial field survey conducted in private laboratories of Doha found some deficiencies in the quality of labs, which necessitated a comprehensive mechanism for qualifying these laboratories to raise their quality to the level of international standards. 2. The QSED conducts an introductory seminar regarding the process of qualifying the private laboratories and explaining the corrective measures for being accredited with Ashghal. All private laboratories are invited to this session. 3. The CEO of Ashghal issued the circular No. 17 for the year 2006 on 24/8/2006 regarding qualifying the laboratory for accreditation to the Authority, through developing a mechanism of quality control of all projects by limiting the responsibility for collecting samples only to the managers or project consultants.

Accomplishments in the process of qualifying laboratories:

I. Format to assess the laboratory :A format has been designed to assess the laboratory, based on the initial assessment of the quality of laboratories and their efficiency in conducting various tests.

II. Quality manual for laboratories :The QSED team prepared a Quality manual, explaining the criteria for evaluating laboratories in all respects to facilitate the laboratory, ensuring neutrality and equal opportunity. The manual was distributed to all laboratories and sufficient time has been given to review with the department in case of any clarification.

III. Circular of Ashghal CEO : The circular No. 23/2007 dated 19/06/2007, issued by the CEO reminded the deadline for evaluating laboratories in accordance with the Ashghal standards.

IV. Utilizing international expertise : In completion of the department’s role in guiding the

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laboratory to complete the various factors of quality, the department conducted introductory seminars aimed at bridging the weaknesses in the laboratory from the reality of field studies and data in terms of:

Equipment and machineryTechnical cadreCalibrating devices

1 - A French delegation consisting one French government official was invited to display the methods used in the examination of roads as well as director of a French based company to display the latest equipments used in road testing.

2 – Laboratories were invited to meet Eng Abdel-Kader Quiroz, head of training at ACTS laboratory and representative of the American concrete Institute (ACI). The delegate displayed the methods to increase the efficiency of laboratory professionals through specialized training courses. The first of such session was held with two laboratories: Qatar Industrial Laboratory and Tayseer

Laboratories and a working team monitored the progress of these sessions. 3. Regarding the calibration of equipments; to cover shortfalls in calibrating devices, related authorities were contacted, especially the calibration center at Qatar Armed Forces, which distinguishes with the mechanism of global standard, in order to assist in the conduction of calibration of laboratories as required. In this regard, Colonel Pilot Adel Fakhro, Director of the Calibration Center at the Armed Forces, delivered a lecture in June 2007 at Ashghal premises. In this lecture, he

reviewed the laboratories in general and the capacity of the Centre was detailed, showing readiness to cooperate with the Authority in the provision of equipment required for calibration of laboratories. Accordingly, the laboratories contacted the center to workout the calibration of their lab equipments. The department recommends the necessity for cooperation with the Centre, as the Centre offers all the potentials of equipments for calibration of laboratories, for this centre owes international credibility and authority. V. Field visits for final assessment : The working team in charge of evaluating the laboratories visited laboratories and reviewed their potential, the level of changes achieved to cope up with Ashghal standards, as well as reviewing different methods of testing and reports issued by each laboratory in order to ensure quality of tests conducted by them, until the final list is approved.

VI. Database of private laboratories :A database of private laboratories has been designed. Laboratory test results received from the labs have been

Eng. Khalid Al Emadi inspecting a sample in the laboratory

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added in the database, as per instruction form the CEO in this regard. Presently, the database contains details of around 10,000 laboratories.Average of test results sent by laboratories from June to December 2007

Averages of test results in various departments as it reach the laboratories unit from the laboratories VII. Circular of CEO regarding final list Based on the visits and recommendations made by the department team monitoring laboratories, the CEO issued the circular No. 38 for the year 2007 dated 4/11/2007 regarding the issuance of the final list of private laboratories accredited to the Authority. The list divided under three groups:

Group I: Laboratories having ISO 17025 certification and meet the requirements of quality manual of Ashghal. These labs fall in two categories as below: First: - As they meet ISO standards with all requirements of quality of private labs set forth by Ashghal, they must work in all projects of small and large scale.

Second: - These laboratories are eligible to be referred in case there is any contradiction or difference in the tests carried out by other laboratories. Group II: These are the type of labs that can be dealt with in Ashghal projects until they obtain ISO 17025

certification and they meet all the requirements of quality of private labs as set forth by Ashghal. Group III: Laboratories under this group can complete their ongoing projects with Ashghal, but no new projects can be assigned to them until they meet the required quality standards of Ashghal. The circular specified that the manager of the QSED manager is responsible for renewing the lists once in every month with the possibility of issuing circular excluding any lab that breaches laboratory quality standards required during the monthly assessment. The quality control team shall conduct periodic monitoring of all approved laboratories in order to renew the list of laboratories accredited to the authority. This will encourage other laboratories to develop and improve their quality, to facilitate its accession to the list of accredited laboratories. In the meantime, many private laboratories contracted with consulting firms to provide technical assistance to raise their efficiency to obtain ISO 17025, trying to keep pace with the requirements for the quality of laboratories. Recommendations: The need to urge all concerned departments on the necessity to cooperate with the QSE department in following up the projects contractors dealing with laboratories approved by the department. The need to standardize ways of dealing with samples of project works to ensure the quality of samples. Completing the Department’s role in reviewing the methods used in testing various materials, in order to choose the most appropriate ways to ensure quality. The need to develop a financial mechanism to prevent intervention by the contractor in testing the samples, as the contractor bears financial responsibility in testing samples at the laboratory. Constantly urge the private laboratories to increase their quality and efficiency through obtaining ISO 17025 certification, in addition to the need for training and qualifying technical cadres in each lab at the hands of specialist trainers.

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Dukhan highway project comes within the major projects of Ashghal in roads sector to accommodate the intensified traffic between Doha and western regions of the state. The project is a result of the urban boom in Dukhan area that necessitated improvement and development of infrastructure, especially in transport and communication sector. New roads with many interchanges and tunnels are constructed with the aim of establishing a modern roads network in line with the international standards. In addition, Ashghal also upgrades existing roads with more bridges. At the same time, the new projects also take into account the preservation of environment and wildlife, providing bridges and tunnels for crossing of camel and other animals. These bridges and crossings also play as link between different areas around the project to facilitate traffic movement. The project aims at establishing a modern road network with international standards in order to serve traffic between Doha and towns along the way to Dukhan

such as Shahaniyya, Zekrit, Jamiliyya and other towns situated on its western

zones.

The project is a part of the key plans of Roads Sector of Ashghal included in the Five Year Plan to improve and modernize the entire road network of the state. The highway starts from Thani bin Jasem Interchange and ends at Zekrit Interchange near to Dukhan Industrial Area. The phase underway is the western part of the project that starts from one kilometer on East Shahaniyya and ends at Zekreet along 42 kilometers. It includes construction of four-track dual carriageway, replacing the existing single-track dual carriageway. The renovated road will have many underpasses and bridges, in addition to underground pipelines for water, electricity, drainage and oil. In addition to Shahaniyya Interchange, the project also includes four major interchanges divided with bridges: They are Samiriyya, Nasraniyya, Owainah and Jamiliyya.

With regard to traffic diversions implemented during

90% of Infrastructure and bridge works completed

Dukhan Highway Road on the Verge of Completion

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execution of some phases of the project, the modern traffic safety system is introduced in coordination with the traffic and patrol department of the state.

Infrastructure lines including water and electricity lines and rainwater disposal lines are replaced with new network. A major change was brought to the project route near Rawdat-al-Fars area, one of the main greensward of the state for preserving the flow of rainwater and safety of trees dominated in the area. Until last May, 90% of the infrastructure works and 95% of the underground pipeline extension works have been completed. Pouring many bridges and paving parts of the street, camels crossing works beneath the road are also over. In total, 90% of bridge works and 80% of the lighting works are also achieved. The approximately 7.5 km long eastern part of the project represents the first phase and links between Tilted roundabout and Bani Hajer roundabout. The works in this phase include construction of some multi-level interchanges. As for the second phase, the 16 kilometers stretch links Bani Hajer roundabout and Shahaniyya Interchange passing through Education City. The works include three multi-level interchanges, protection fence and a truck weighbridge. The third phase represents the longest part of the project along 42 kilometers and links Shahaniyya and Zekrit near to Dukhan Industrial area. This phase is to be bidded as public tender this year. All the concrete coating works are undertaken as per approved specifications and using standard materials and the works are executed ensuring effectiveness and quality. Lately, Rawdat-al-Fars Bridge has been added to the project and now the total cost of the project amounts to 750,540,000 Qatar Riyals. Dukhan highway project also includes local service roads parallel to the main highway. These parallel roads will link

the desert bound traffic with the main highway through interchanges. The highway will also have exit interchanges to facilitate shorter return routes for local residents.

The technique of constructing this highway between Shahaniyya and Zekrit will bring its affect on the development of this area. In the near future, this highway will become an international route providing immense opportunities for local and international companies for investment. Adequate studies have been conducted before planning of the highway route using the techniques of local and global studies and as per scientific specifications, considering conservation of public safety and avoiding natural and environmental disasters. Special attention was given to the issue of speed of communication in the event of dangers to local emergency teams. The highway also provides the Arab States proper and secure communication access at local and global levels.

It is worth mentioning that the reason behind the delay in completion of the project is due to several factors including the passage of Rawdat-al-Fars along the route which necessitated some major amendments to the project. The presence of large amount of groundwater in the way of microtunneling at Shahaniyya was another obstacle that took time to solve. The seasonal rainfall in December 2006, presence of personal as well as public properties, introduction of new traffic safety system, paving new asphalt throughout the service roads, lack of sufficient raw materials like cement and steel were another factors lead to the delay in achieving the project on time.

90% of Infrastructure and bridge works completed

Dukhan Highway Road on the Verge of Completion

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Security Control system throughout the project

Safety system introduced at all diversions

W h a t represents me:Excellence: I have a goal and I try to reach it in every work I do. Anyone can do a work. But it is the excellence in achieving something that distinguishes each person from the other.

Challenge and Insistence: Challenge is required as an incentive to reach the desired goal, and insistence is required to continue success.

Sincerity: One of the most important factors underlying the work ethics.

Self Development: Trying to reach it constantly on

personal, scientific and practical levels.

Confidence vs Arrogance: self-confidence is essential to deal with challenge and seek to continuous self-development. Whereas, arrogance is described as reprehensible and indicates personal weakness and lack of self-confidence.

In your view, how does the employee reach excellence? By carrying out the tasks entrusted to the fullest with personal touches added to his/her work, as some positions in the work requires some creativity (and thinking outside the box) - as they say , which is what distinguishes the work of each employee from the other.

What is your philosophy?“Ignorance is the Enemy.”

ExploringExcellence

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ID Card:Name : Maha Saad al NaimiDoB : 1972Present Position : Acting Head of Personnel Affairs

Previous Position : Training and Development SpecialistSocial Status : Single

ExploringExcellence

What problems you encountered in the completion of your Masters?The most difficult thing was lack of time to study. The study program at Qatar University requires attending classes in the evening at least for three days, in addition to the study projects required and the pressure of work. All these were challenges I faced boldly and I completed my masters, all praises to God.

What problems you encounter at work?Most of the difficulties at work come from the pressure of work resulting from the shortage of sufficient workforce in the section. Thanks to the hard workers of the employees of my section. I take this opportunity to claim for more sufficient staff for the section because it serves all Ashghal employees.

What new ideas and projects you wish to implement in the department? - The first priority is for increasing the strength of Personnel Section - The second priority goes to the skill development of the existing staff through training programs.

Remaining major tasks include:Activate the role of the administrative coordinators of various departments with human resources department in general and the Personnel Section in particular. Because, lack of proper coordination is forcing employees to approach the department for getting their things done, causing disturbance to the concerned employee and the process. Work to facilitate some internal procedures of the department. Improve the image of the department and the section by working to achieve maximum quality standards in the work.

How do you manage between the pressures of work and home? Often the work consumes most of my time, in the sense I am forced to work at the expense of my home time.

Nevertheless, I try to compensate with the off days.

What are the advantages you learned in life through your career? One of the most important advantage is knowing how to deal with others, how to contain well without problem or clash. This I learned from the very nature of my previous work in the Training Section, and from the current job in the Personnel Section. What is your hobby? Reading and reading Your fond memories? The best of memories may be the academic days I spent with my classmates, our get-together from time to time for study projects, out of which good friendship developed.

How do you spend leisure time?Earlier, there used to be hardly any time to spare, especially during my studies. Now, I dedicate my free time is to take advantage of it by getting familiar with all aspects of the tasks and requirements of the new position. Your comment on working woman?Women are able to demonstrate the capabilities in any place, in any job as long as they are equipped with sufficient academic eligibility, experience and some professionalism in thinking.

Men or women, if they have required qualification and practical experience, they have the opportunity for creativity, development and reliance, bearing in minds that there exists individual differences among the sexes.

Any advice to the readers?My advice to all my colleagues is summed up in the adage “do what you love and love what you do” because you are spending half of your life in work. A lucky person might be the one whose “hobby is his profession.”

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Ashghal Develops Solutions to SolveAbu Nakhla Lagoon Crisis

Public Works Authority "Ashghal" is keen on solving

environmental problems and health disasters that might

arise due to the rise in the water level at lagoons, because

of the growing urbanization and increasing population in

the state.

For the sake of disposal of surplus treated water, and

to avoid collapse of the Abu Nakhla lagoon, Ashghal

has embarked on the implementation of solutions in

coordination with the Ministry of Environment, and the

Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Urban Planning.

Earlier, Ashghal has contracted with a company to pump

the surplus treated water to underground. But the company

delayed excavation works due to the pull out of sub-

contractor. Later on, the same sub-contractor has agreed

to start the work and it is expected to start this month

(August 2008) to finish the job by November/December

2008. The company would dig two wells each near three

existing treatment plants: Nuaija Treatment Plant (south

Doha), Sailiyya Plant (west of Doha) and Industrial Area

Treatment Plant. The period of digging shall depend on

the nature of the land and hence the authority expect

works of pumping in underground by end of this year

or beginning of 2009, which will reduce significantly the

amount of water pumped into the Abu Nakhla lagoon.

Another project has been awarded to pump the water

from the lagoon and to the tanks of a treatment company

who shall be pumping treated water through irrigation

lines to Rakaia farm and some other farms, in addition

to industrial purposes. An average of 50,000 cubic meter

per day can be eliminated from the lagoon through this

method.

Ashghal has another project to raise the pressure of

pumps of irrigation lines distributed within Doha city.

By completion of this project, in September 2008, more

treated water will be used for irrigation, thus reducing the

quantity to be pumped to Abu Nakhla and other lagoons.

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Meanwhile, Ashghal has completed support works for the

lagoon at Abu Nakhla by expanding the dam and raising its

wall height several times to accommodate more quantity,

to prevent leakage of treated water outside the lagoon,

and to avoid environmental pollution. Similarly, Ashghal

took steps in coordination with the Ministry of Municipal

Affairs and Urban Planning to have another lagoon near

Abu Samra route and to divert tankers of untreated sewer

to the new lagoon in order to avoid mixing the treated

water and untreated water so that more treated water

could be used for agriculture and industry.

The Assets Affairs of Ashghal is working in full swing to

develop all the drainage network systems throughout the

state. Ashghal is keen on treating the sewage wastes in

conformity with the requirements of environmental and

health requirements. For this, Ashghal has projects for new

waste treatment plants in addition to upgrade projects for

the existing plants in order to meet the requirements of

the state’s population.

Lately, the Doha South Treatment Plant has been upgraded

for the fourth time, raising the capacity from 45,000 cubic

meters to 97,000 cubic meters. Plan is underway for a fifth

expansion of the same plant to make the daily capacity to

177,000 cubic meter.

Similarly, the third upgrade

of Sailiyya Treatment

Plant is on the way. By

completion of this upgrade

work, the plant can treat

sewer of 500,000 people

with an increase of

165000 people. Later on,

this plant shall be further

upgraded to increase the capacity to meet the entire

estimated population of the state by the year 2050. This

expansion will also raise the efficiency of water treatment

plants to match the current environmental requirements.

The Sailiyyah Treatment Plant expansion is one of the

biggest projects implemented by the Drainage Affairs

of Ashghal to contribute into the ongoing urban

developmental boom in the state, aimed at producing

high quality treated water for the purposes of irrigation.

The project is implemented as a joint venture of French and

Japanese construction companies (Degremont / Merbuni).

The JV contract signed with the authority stipulates the

two stages of project – designing and construction of the

plant in the first phase, and operation and maintenance

for ten years s second phase.

The Sailiyyah plant is located at 10 km west of Doha city

to the south of Salwa road. The existing plant has been

operating since 1980, and was designed to serve the

230,000 people.

The treated water produced from this plant is used for

irrigation of public parks and gardens in Doha city and for

irrigation of farms within 30 kilometers distance. The new

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plant will also have system to control the rotten smell.

On the other hand, contract has been signed for design,

construction, operation and maintenance of Doha North

Plant with Singapore based Keppel Corporation for the

cost of 3.6 billion riyals, which is the largest contract in the

history of treatment plants.

The plant located at the north of Doha near Umm Salal

will be ready to serve the nation by the year 2010. The

plant will serve the northern region of Doha city in

addition to Garrafa, Umm Salal, Semeisma and Lusail

with a capacity of 439,000 cubic meters of treated water

per day. Upon completion of this project, it will provide

services to more than 900,000 inhabitants. In addition to

the areas mentioned, it will also serve the north road and

the coastal road with irrigation water.

This plant will undertake treatment of sewage received and

high quality treated water, using the latest technologies

of water treatment. Apart from Irrigation, the treated

water produced can be used even for various industrial

purposes.

Other expansion works undertaken by Ashghal include the

Al-Khor treatment plant, which has been in the beginning

designed to absorb and treat

effluents of 18,000 person and

by expansion the capacity will

raise to 36,000 person. The

expansion work is supposed to

start in the fourth quarter of this

year.

In the framework of Ashghal’s keenness to cope with the

urban boom in various municipalities of the state, it has also

put international tender for designing and rehabilitation of

the Thakhira treatment plant to serve as many as 263,000

people, serving the residents of Thakhira municipality and

surrounding areas.

The basic element of expansion of the plant is a new pump

station to be set up at the site of the existing treatment

plant and two pressure lines of 700 mm pressure to

transport ammunition near the plant site to the site of

the new treatment plant. The new treatment plant will

have international standard treating facility and pumping

liens to pump treated water to the community housing

of Al-Khor and other residential areas, in addition to the

recreational garden to be set up in Thakhira. The contract

for this project is to be expected to be bidded by end of

year 2008.

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• Treated water to be pumped to underground.

• Treated water pumped into the sea only in absolute necessity.