DOHA: The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) yesterday signed contracts worth over QR1.2bn with Qatari companies to build 17 new schools and six kindergartens.
This takes the total number of schools and KGs being built by Ashghal to 69 at a cost of QR3bn.
The contracts were signed in the presence of Minister of Education and Higher Education H E Dr Mohammed Abdul Wahed Ali Al Hammadi, Nasser bin Ali Al Mawlawi, President, Ashghal, and senior officials of the Supreme Education Council and Ashghal.
Work is under way on 38 schools and KGs with an estimated cost of over QR1.737m. Of these, 33 schools and KGs will be delivered to the SEC before the beginning of the 2015-2016 academic year.
The new schools are designed according to the standard design model for schools. The total construction area of each school is 9,159sqm and each consists of a two-storey building that accommodates around 650 students in 25 classes.
The schools’ main buildings are equipped with a multipurpose hall, chemistry, physics and biology labs, two computer rooms, two arts studios, a language room and an administrative office.
The main buildings are also surrounded by external buildings, covered parking lots, outdoor football, handball and volleyball courts.
The KGs 12 classrooms will accommodate up to 240 children and include shaded playgrounds, special rooms for music, language and computer. They will also have a library, classrooms, and outdoor spaces that include shaded parking lots, green spaces and service buildings.
The school designs comply with Qatari construction code so that people with disabilities and special needs can access ramps, rest rooms and other amenities. The school buildings are also eco-friendly with special materials and equipment to help conserve energy and decrease water consumption.
Contract for four schools in Doha and surrounding areas worth QR260m has been awarded to Amana Qatar Contracting Company. One school will be in Al Rayyan and three in Al Wajbah.
Another contract worth QR272m has been awarded to the same company for two schools in Al Kaaban, one in Al Dhakira and one in Al Karaana.
A QR199.3m contract has been awarded to Al Jaber Trading and Contracting Company for one school in Al Shahaniya, one in Onaiza and one in Al Ruwais.
A QR187.8m contract has been awarded to Al Sraiya Trading and Contracting Company for two schools in Mesaieed and one in Mesaimeer.
A QR168.4m contract has been awarded to Al Huda Engineering Works for three schools in Umm Al Saneem.
A QR158.4m contract has been awarded to Galfar Al Misnad Engineering and Contracting and includes six KGs in Nuaija, Hazm Al Markhiya, Al Messila, Umm Ghuwailina, Al Dhakira, and Wadi Al Banat.
Work on all projects starts in the first quarter of 2015 and is due to be completed by the third quarter of 2016.
The Peninsula
