Doha: As part of its keenness to provide a suitable environment for the growth of Qatari companies and in line with the objectives of the ‘Qualification of Small-Scale Contractors’ initiative launched in January of 2018, the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) announced on April 23, 2019 the tender of four contracts for road improvement projects at a total value of about QR100m.

Tendering these new four contracts is part of the second phase of the ‘Qualification of Small-Scale Contractors’ Initiative, launched by Ashghal in the beginning of 2018. This initiative aims to provide the opportunity for Qatari investors in the construction sector to implement small projects that qualify them to be a part of the country’s strategic projects in the future, and to contribute to the local economy.

The first contract, initiated by Ashghal, includes Road Improvement Works in Al Shamal Area, Phase 4A,covering several areas within the boundaries of Al Shamal, Al Khor, & Al Thakhira municipalities.

The second contract is the road improvement project in several areas of Greater Doha – Phase 6B, which includes several areas within Doha and Al Rayyan Municipalities.The third contract includes the Road Improvement Works in the south of Greater Doha- Zone 90 to 95 – Phase 6B, covering several areas within Al Wakrah Municipality.

The fourth contract includes the Road Improvement Works in Al Rayyan Area– Phase 6B. It covers several areas within Al Rayyan Municipality. The new projects are scheduled to commence in Q4, 2019, and will be implemented within a period of 540 days. The projects’ scope includes grading works, road pavement, construction of pedestrian lanes, and works to enhance traffic safety such as installation of directional and traffic signs as well as road markings.

Ashghal will close the tender for these projects on May 19, 2019 and it urges the Qatari contractors wishing to participate to quickly register through Ashghal’s website. Ashghal launched the ‘Qualification of Small-Scale Contractors’ initiative in January 2018. It also announced the signing of four contracts within the first phase of the initiative in December 2018.

The Small-Scale Contractors initiative aims to develop and support the local Qatari companies and encourage them to participate in roads projects, even if they have no previous experience in this field. The initiative provides the opportunity for these companies to develop and qualify their companies to compete in the domestic market and in the global market in the future. The initiative also aims to provide support to new contractors through training and by introducing them to best practices in project implementation.