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Qatar launches 5-year QR 25 billion plan

DOHA — Qatar has embarked on a five-year plan to implement major infrastructure development projects, with an overall budget allocation amounting to a massive QR 25billion.

Details of the plan were outlined by senior officials of the Public Works Authority (PWA), also known as Ashghal, at a presentation here earlier this week. The Authority was established last year to be responsible for infrastructure development, based on an ambitious strategy evolved by the state.

The plan covers 32 road, 19 building and 6 waste-disposal facility development projects. Road projects account for the largest share (total allocation QR13b) in the five-year plan, which includes: construction of new roads, repair and renovation of existing roads, and the addition of bridges and tunnels.

Local companies have been encouraged, where necessary, to form a joint venture (J-V) with one another, or with a partner with greater experience and financial capabilities, in order to bid for large public contracts. Ashghal has defined certain categories of companies that will be allowed to join the bidding process. Those that have completed, independently, projects of QR50 million, will be able to bid for those of up to QR100 million.

Such projects will also be open to local companies holding 51pc equity in a JV with an international partner. Qatari companies holding 70pc or more in a JV with an international company will be able to bid on projects up to QR200 million.