Qatar’s Public Works Authority (Ashghal) is holding a series of briefings with contractors to explain its contracting strategy for its Local Roads and Drainage Programme. Ashghal said a total of 75 companies have been prequalified to develop more than 200 projects under the programme within the next five to seven years. 

The aim of the contracting strategy was to establish a core group of companies to carry out work as needed, based on a predetermined set of prices and specifications. The strategy also seeks to enhance the role of Qatari companies by requiring that successful bidders must either be a Qatari-registered company, or a joint venture of an international firm with a Qatari partner that owns not less than 50 per cent of the shares of the company. 

The Local Roads and Drainage Programme is designed to develop the existing infrastructure through modernising existing roads and upgrading sewerage, water and electricity networks in line with international standards.

Earlier this month, Ashghal issued a tender worth an estimated $179m to improve Doha’s C Ring Road. Ashghal is inviting bids from local companies or joint ventures that include a local partner, with a tender bond of about $1.8m. The deadline for bids is 10 December.