The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has found new markets to import building materials at competitive prices for its ongoing infrastructure projects, turning the blockade imposed by siege countries into a total failure.
“We are coordinating with several new countries for sourcing construction materials including Kuwait, Oman, Turkey, India and China,” said President of Ashghal, Dr Eng Saad bin Ahmad Al Muhannadi.
He was speaking with media persons on the sideline of ceremony held yesterday to inaugurate a new road project ‘Phase 1 of the New Orbital Highway and Truck Route’.
The President also said that Ashghal has amended the specification and policies that required importing certain building materials only from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
“We have sufficient stock of construction materials to implement infrastructure development projects and they will be delivered on scheduled time”, said Al Muhannadi.
The President also said that some building materials available at new markets are available at very competitive prices compared to those coming from siege countries, earlier.
“Some building materials at new markets are cheaper and the projects are going on smoothly without any impact of the blockade,” said the President
Al Muhannadi added, “We have learned lessons from the blockade, first of all we need to increase our local productions of building materials.”
Speaking on replacing local products with imported one, Al Muhannadi said “we have started using pipes for drainage and rain water, lamp posts and some types of steel made in Qatar in place of materials coming siege countries.”
“Ashghal is able to provide alternatives for all materials from different markets, and there is stability in supply of all type of construction materials,” he said.
“We have benefitted from this experience by relying more on the local products and developing its quality, we have also started an initiative to speed up the local product qualification process.”
Recently, an exhibition was held under an initiative ‘buy local products’ to educate the suppliers about made in Qatar products. “We are coordinating with them and some of them could be partners for future Ashghal projects”, said Al Muhannadi.
“Qatar projects will not be affected by the blockade, and Ashghal is committed to implement projects as per schedules, and alternative plans were put to realize Qatar National Vision (QNV),” said Eng. Abdullah Al Attiya, Assistant President of the Public Works Authority.
