DOHA: The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has revealed that discussions were progressing to resolve the disputes between Ashghal and the contracting companies which are involved in some of the prestigious projects of the Ashghal, the Authority has revealed.
Talking to reporters here yesterday, Nasser Ali Al Mawlawi, Acting General Manager, Ashghal said that the project works of 22 February Street, a major component of the multi-million riyal Doha Expressway, would be resumed by the end of this year.
The prestigious 22 February Interchange and Al Amir Street is a major infrastructure development project undertaken by Ashghal as part of its efforts to modernise the infrastructure network of the State. This important part of Doha Expressway project is estimated at QR15bn. The 22 February and Amir Street project is a 6km stretch beginning from Emigration Interchange extending up to Al Asiri Underpass on D Ring road. The project estimated at QR1.28bn includes construction of four interchanges with one bridge and one of them with four levels with three-lane dual carriageways. The work also include construction of 5.5km service road along the major street.
The Joint Venture comprising Bilfinger Berger of Germany and Al Hamid of UAE undertakes the project. The project was halted following a financial dispute between Ashghal and the contracting company early this year. The company left the work in midway March this year. The tug of war between Ashghal and the contracting company had also affected the project work of Industrial Interchange. The project is again part of Doha Expressway. The project site in the west side entrance to Doha is interlinked with two busy routes, Salwa International Highway and Industrial area, and therefore people are eagerly waiting for the completion of ongoing project works on the route.
"The disputes between the contractors of some projects have almost resolved. The discussions regarding some other projects are fast progressing", Al Mawlawi said. He said Ashghal is not discriminating local companies with foreign companies while awarding contract to major projects. There are a good number of local companies which are involved in some of our prestigious projects.
On the delay in the completion of schools projects, Al Mawlawi said the recession and the dispute between Ashghal and a section of contracting companies have contributed to delay in project works. "However, we are confident of completing the school projects well ahead of the next academic year," he said.
© The Peninsula 2009
