DOHA - The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) yesterday signed a contract worth QR2.181bn with construction giant Tekfen of Turkey for the second and third phase development of the North Road Project.
After embarking on a $125m gas-to-liquids (GTL) pipeline project and a $200m project at Ras Laffan Port, this is the third major project that has been taken up by the Tekfen Construction and Installation Company in Qatar.
The contract was signed by Zayed Mansoor Al Khayarin, Managing Director, Ashghal and Umit Ozdemir, Chairman, Tekfen at the Shraq Village and Spa.
Later, speaking to reporters Ozdemir said Tekfen is an active player in the Middle East. "All across the Middle East, we have an estimated $30bn in stakes. In Saudi Arabia alone we have six projects with a total project value of $1bn. We are also active in Oman, Kuwait, Libya, Jordan, Morocco, Bulgaria, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Russia," he said.
In Ras Laffan, Tekfen is undertaking the implementation of the 137 km-long Ras Laffan-Mesaieed ethane transmission pipeline. The project also includes the construction of two new valve stations and expansion of nine existing stations, he said.
Al Khayarin said the project work, which involves the construction of a 94 km-long road, will start from September 1. The project is scheduled to be completed by March 2010.
The second phase of the project consists of a 33km road development from Duhail Interchange to Al Khor Interchange through Semeisma. The works include construction of four-lane dual carriageway with service roads in addition to nine multi-level interchanges.
The third phase - from Al Khor Interchange to Al Ruwais - is extended onwards by 61 km. This road will link Al Khor Interchange and Al Ruwais towards the north. The works include construction of a four-lane dual carriageway with service roads on the sides, 11 multi-level interchanges and five camel crossing underpasses.
Development of nine dual carriageway bridges, 11 single carriageway bridges, two tunnels, construction of a 13.7km of dual two-lane road, demolition of the existing Northern Releif/Semeisma bridge, realignment and diversion of existing utilities and ducting for an intelligent transportation system are among other works involved in the third phase.
Turkish ambassador Mithat Rende, Ahmed Sultan Al Kuwari, Assistant Managing Director, Technical Affairs, Ashghal and Anas Al Kilani, Acting Manager, Roads Affairs, Ayhan Sarioglu, Vice-President, Operations (Middle East) Tekfen and Alkas Bekisoglu, Tekfen's company representative in Qatar also attended the signing ceremony.
© The Peninsula 2007
