(MENAFN - Qatar News Agency) Qatar's Public Works Authority (Ashghal) on Wednesday unveiled its strategic drainage network program, the Inner Doha Resewerage Implementation Strategy (IDRIS), which is developed to meet the long term demands of the South Doha catchment for the next 50 years.
The 73km-long project, which has a total cost of more than QR10 billion, is part of Ashghal's strategy to deliver world-standard infrastructure that goes in line with Qatar National Vision 2030, Ashghal President Nasser Ali Al Mawlawi said during today's industry briefing session that was held at Grand Hyatt to present the project to local and international infrastructure contractors and consultants.
Addressing the unprecedented demand for a more comprehensive sewerage network, Ashghal has partnered with CH2M HILL, a global leader in program management and engineering consulting to develop IDRIS as a major deep tunnel sewer network and an advanced sewage treatment works that will return to Doha treated water suitable for irrigation.
The program is designed to accommodate planned growth for over an additional one million people in Doha's south catchment.
Commenting on the strategy, Eng. Nasser Ghaith Al-Kuwari, manager of Ashghal's Drainage Project Department, said: "To enable the nation to support the future socio-economic needs of the country, Ashghal has adopted a strategic and comprehensive approach to deliver some of Qatar's largest infrastructure projects. Addressing the demand for a more robust nationwide sewerage network, IDRIS will overhaul South Doha's existing network's capabilities and 'future-proof' it for several decades."
The program, scheduled to be implemented over the next seven years, is a result of studies, which took a comprehensive and integrated approach, whereby various influence on sewage flows were examined, including projected community growth, the condition of the current drainage system and planned development such as Ashghal's Doha Expressway Motorway System and Qatar Rail Company's Metro system.
On completion, the project will decommission over 30 aging pump stations in the inner city area of Doha and replace them with a single large deep terminal pump station 30km outside Doha. Due to the significant depth below ground of the tunneling works, IDRIS will utilize sub-surface techniques that will minimize the usual disruption associated with utility pipeline work. The only visible signs in the construction of many kilometers of pipeline will be occasional access shafts and worksites.
CH2M HILL has been appointed as the program consultancy for the project to develop and oversee the implementation of IDRIS in a safe and sustainable manner using innovative and best in class approaches.
Today's industry briefing provided an overview of Ashghal's corporate strategy and vision and how IDRIS fits into the strategy, how to do business with Ashghal, in addition to the program's specific information such as proposed works, timeline, and key implementation considerations such as how to participate in the forthcoming tendering process.
Established in 2004, Ashghal is an autonomous body, which was set up to oversee the planning, design, procurement, construction, delivery and assets management of public infrastructure projects, public buildings and amenities in Qatar.
Ashghal's core business focuses around three main areas: road and drainage maintenance; local roads, drainage and expressways; and the design, construction and management of capital projects and public buildings.
It has adopted a strategic and comprehensive approach to deliver some of Qatar's largest nationwide infrastructure schemes, including the National Expressway Program, IDRIS and the Local Roads and Drainage Program.
