Qatar- Qatar’s Public Works Authority, Ashghal, recently inked a groundbreaking Public-Private Partnership (PPP) contract exceeding QR5.4 billion. This landmark agreement is dedicated to the comprehensive development, design, financing, and operation of a sewage treatment works (STW) project capable of treating 150,000 cubic meters per day. The consortium entrusted with this significant endeavor comprises Metito, Al Attiya Motors & Trading Company, and Gulf Investment Corporation, making it a pivotal step toward fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors.
Situated in Al Wakrah and Al Wukair, this project not only represents Qatar’s initial foray into sewage treatment through PPP but is also intricately aligned with the nation’s ambitious Vision 2030. The signing ceremony, graced by His Excellency Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani, Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, underscored the state’s unwavering commitment to nurturing synergies between the public and private realms.
At the heart of this transformative initiative lies Law No. 12 of 2020, regulating the partnership between Qatar’s public and private sectors. This legal framework exemplifies the nation’s confidence in the private sector’s prowess to collaborate seamlessly with the government in executing large-scale development projects. The overarching objective is to attract local and foreign investments while concurrently optimizing water consumption and advocating for the utilization of unconventional water resources.
Metito, a key player in the consortium, boasts a storied history of collaborating with Qatari stakeholders since 1987. Mutaz Ghandour, Chairman and CEO of Metito, expressed the company’s deep sense of honor in securing this contract and affirmed its commitment to playing a leading role in helping Qatar achieve its visionary water agenda.
Beyond its immediate goals, the Al Wakrah and Al Wukair STW project is designed to contribute substantially to Qatar’s environmental sustainability aspirations. The treated water generated by the STW, meeting rigorous international standards, will be employed to enhance green spaces across the nation, serving as a bulwark against environmental degradation and safeguarding groundwater from pollution.
The partnership contract outlines a spectrum of responsibilities for the consortium, spanning the design, construction, and delivery of KAHRAMAA facilities. This includes the establishment of a primary substation, initial commissioning, performance acceptance testing, and a 25-year commitment to operations and maintenance. The project will adhere rigorously to the highest global standards for wastewater treatment, employing a multi-tiered approach encompassing primary, secondary, and tertiary treatment techniques. The purification process will be further enhanced through ultrafiltration units, ultraviolet rays, and chlorine.
An instrumental facet of this project is its potential to invigorate the local economy. Anticipating that 60% of the project’s fixed costs will be directed towards local purchases, it is poised to stimulate the growth of local industries. This resonates with the government’s broader strategy to bolster the competitiveness of national companies, spur economic growth, and diversify economic activities.
The signing of this PPP contract is a culmination of the legal framework instituted to encourage private sector engagement in infrastructure and social projects. Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al-Thani, Chairman of Qatar Chamber, lauded the government’s confidence in the private sector, emphasizing the pivotal role these partnerships play in steering the country towards sustainable development.
The Al Wakrah and Al Wukair STW project, the maiden public-private partnership in Qatar’s sewage network projects, sets a precedent for future collaborations. Beyond its immediate significance, it serves as a blueprint for infrastructure development projects aligned with the Qatar National Vision 2030.
In conclusion, the Al Wakrah and Al Wukair STW project underscores Qatar’s unwavering dedication to sustainable development, environmental stewardship, and judicious resource utilization. This pioneering PPP project serves as a testament to the successful collaboration between the public and private sectors, offering a glimpse into the potential for similar partnerships to propel economic growth and achieve strategic national objectives. As Qatar charts its course towards a more sustainable future, this project stands as a beacon of progress and a model for visionary infrastructure development.
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