DOHA: Barwa Real Estate Company is likely to be awarded the development projects of Al Khor and Wakrah cities, after speculations raised recently excluded the Public Works Authority (Asghal) from the offer.
Arabic daily reported that plans are afoot to award the project contracts, which is expected to turn Al Khor and Wakrah into ultra-modern and vibrant cities. The sources also mentioned a possibility of contract being awarded to two different companies to ensure quick turn around.
The two cities were selected in the early stages of the national master plan, not only out of social, cultural and heritage considerations, but also because of their proximity to Ras Laffan and Mesaieed industrial cities.
The development plan of the two cities is the outcome of collaboration between the Urban Planning and Development Authority (UPDA) and consultants Surbana Urban Planning Group of Singapore.
Recently, a week-long exhibition featuring the master plans proposed for Al Khor and Wakrah was opened at Doha Exhibition Centre by the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Agriculture H E Sheikh Abdul Rahman bin Khalifa Al Thani.
In the opening session, Sheikh Abdul Rahman, who is also Head of the Steering Committee of the Qatar National Master Plan, said the plans will be implemented without prejudice to any third party and avail land owners the opportunity to develop their properties according to the new land use and zoning plans and standards.
A well thought out redevelopment plan for Al Khor and Al Wakra can alleviate the traffic problems in Doha with Qatar's total population now reaching 1.5 million, according to UPDA Director-General Ali Abdullah Al Abdullah.
© The Peninsula 2008
