Projects Affairs Director at the Public Works Authority (Ashghal), Eng. Youssef Al Emadi, has said that 98 percent main roads serving 2022 FIFA World Cup stadiums have been completed.
“All Ashghal projects are running ahead of schedule and a number of projects have been delivered recently before the date of schedule,” said Eng. Youssef Al Emadi while talking to the media persons at a recent Ashghal event.
He said that some projects had slowed down slightly due to the COVID-19 outbreak, but the delay has been compensated in the following stages.
For example, Al Emadi said, during the construction of the newly-opened cable-stayed bridge, the presence of workers was reduced because of the pandemic.
“Ashghal used locally-made cranes with a huge capacity to avoid the delay in the delivery of the project.”
He said work continues in full swing at all Asghal projects, especially those meant to serve 2022 FIFA World Cup, as per the plan. “The opening of the first phase of the Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor, the largest corridor, six months ahead of schedule is a big evidence of the smooth operation of Ashghal projects,” said Al Emadi.
He said that Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor will connect most of the stadiums hosting World Cup matches, including Al Thumama Stadium; Ras Abu Aboud Stadium; Khalifa International Stadium; Ahmed bin Ali Stadium, which is popularly known as Al Rayyan Stadium; Lusail Stadium; and Al Bayt Stadium, as well as the Doha Metro stations, as most of them are located around the Corridor.
On September 7, 2020, Ashghal announced that its roads and citizens’ sub-division projects are on track and within the planned delivery progress rates. Ashghal’s ability to maintain such progress reflects its agility and resilience during the current exceptional conditions.
Ashghal took a number of measures to curb the spread of COVID-19 both at the construction project sites and offices as well as in the accommodation facilities.
It implemented emergency plans with its contractors and consultants and thankfully, with the great commitment of the team, Ashghal successfully managed to maintain delivery and business continuity while strictly adhering to the regularly updated health, safety, worker’s welfare and wellness related guidelines and legal requirements by the competent authorities.