Public Works Authority - Qatar
The Ashghal was established on the basis of the Emiri Decree No. (1) issued by HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani on January 20, 2004, as an autonomous body to oversee all infrastructure-related projects as well as public amenities. The Emiri Decree stressed on quality and perfection of work as per international specifications and standards.
The establishment of the Ashghal marked an important turning point in the history infrastructure development of the State of Qatar which has embarked on a major phase of change and development in all aspects of life.
Infrastructure development
In the new millennium, Qatar has embarked on a major transformation drive. There has been a rapid increase in construction projects in the last few years, during which major ventures have been set in motion, such as the Olympics Village, which will host the delegates of the Asian Games to be held in Doha in Dec 2006.
The expansion of the Doha International Airport is another major project. Besides these projects, Qatar is in the process of revamping its network of roads by adding flyovers, underpasses, service roads and improving the sewage collection and treatment system and Major Government Building such as hospitals , schools and tourism facilities.
Among the major projects Roads implemented so far, is the Gharafa Intersection, which serves as an entry point to Doha for traffic from the northern cities like Al Khor, Ras Laffan, and all, Shamal cities and Zubara. It is a three-tiered flyover with three lanes on each to the length of 900m, and an underpass with three lanes, with a length of 900m each.
The Al Asiri Intersection is also an important Roads project that has been completed to provide the easy flow of traffic between the west cities and Al Doha, which stretches to 2,000m. The intersection has three lanes, and an over bridge stretching to 1,350m.
The ongoing Salwa International Highway extends from the Doha to the Abu Samra check post bordering Saudi Arabia. This 81km long highway will have four lanes on each side, and serve as an expressway It is being built according to international specifications. The salient features of this highway are emergency side parking spots, parallel service roads, with 15 intersections. It will be provided with all the necessary services electrical and drainage system requirements and lighting all the way, Traffic safety shall be the hallmark of all these projects, besides adequate landscaping and illumination.
Ashghal has now embarked on a five-year plan to be completed by the year 2009. It envisages a total change of the existing cityscape to suit the needs of the upcoming generations.