The Public Works Authority ‘Ashghal’ announced it is awarding contracts to Qatari companies to build 17 new schools as well as six kindergartens with a total value estimated at approximately one billion and two hundred forty six million Qatari Riyals.
The signing of these contracts was held in the presence of His Excellency Dr. Mohamed bin Abdulwahed Al Hammadi, the Minister of Education and Higher Education and His Excellency Engineer Nasser bin Ali Al Mawlawi, President of the Public Works Authority, as well as a number of Supreme Education Council (SEC) and Ashghal officials.
At the same time, the authority indicated it is currently undertaking the construction of 38 schools and kindergartens with an estimated total value of over 1 billion 737 million Qatari Riyals; of which, 33 schools and kindergartens will be delivered to the SEC before the beginning of the 2015-2016 school year. With the signing of the new contracts, the total value of the educational projects carried out by Ashghal will be estimated at QR 3 billion.
The 17 new schools are designed according to the standard design model for schools. The total construction area of each school is 9,159 sqm 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 as well as 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 a series of external adjoining buildings, covered parking lots, outdoor football, handball, and volleyball courts.
The kindergartens' 12 classrooms will accommodate up to 240 children and include shaded playgrounds and various activities in addition to a special room for every activity such as a music room, a language room, and a computer room. The kindergartens will also have a library hall, classrooms, and outdoor spaces that include a shaded parking lot, green spaces and service buildings.
It is worth mentioning that the approved design types for the schools that Ashghal is building are enhanced according to the Qatari code requirements so that persons with disabilities and special needs can have accessibility ramps, restrooms and other amenities. The schools are also eco-friendly green and smart buildings that will be equipped with special materials and equipment to help conserve energy and decrease water consumption.
Following are the details of the signed contracts:
1. Construction contract of 4 schools in Doha and surrounding areas:
This QR 260 million contract has been awarded to Amana Qatar Contracting Company and includes the construction of a school in Al Rayyan and three schools in Al Wajbah. The project will start in Q1 2015, and is due to be completed by Q3 2016.
2. Construction contract of 4 schools in Doha and surrounding areas:
This QR 272 million contract has been awarded to Amana Qatar Contracting Company and includes the construction of two schools in Al Kaaban, one school in Al Dhakira and one school in Al Karaana. The project will start in Q1 2015, and is due to be completed by Q3 2016.
3. Construction contract of 3 schools in Doha and surrounding areas:
This QR 199,334,994 million contract has been awarded to Al Jaber Trading and Contracting Company and includes the construction of one school in Al Shahaniya, one school in Onaiza and one school in Al Ruwais. The project will start in Q1 2015, and is due to be completed by Q3 2016.
4. Construction contract of 3 schools in Doha and surrounding areas:
This QR 187,845,000 million contract has been awarded to Al Sraiya Trading & Contracting Company and includes the construction of two schools in Mesaieed and one school in Mesaimeer. The project will start in Q1 2015, and is due to be completed by Q3 2016.
5. Construction contract of 3 schools in Doha and surrounding areas:
This QR 168,499,986 million contract has been awarded to Al Huda Engineering Works and includes the construction of three schools in Umm Al Saneem. The project will start in Q1 2015, and is due to be completed by Q3 2016.
6. Construction contract of 6 kindergartens in Doha and surrounding areas:
This QR 158,411,031 million contract has been awarded to Galfar Al Misnad Engineering & Contracting and includes the construction of six kindergartens in Nuaija, Hazm Al Markhiya, Al Messila, Umm Ghuwailina, Al Dhakira, and Wadi al Banat. The project will start in Q1 2015, and is due to be completed by Q3 2016.
Schools and kindergartens currently under construction:
There are currently 38 schools and kindergartens under construction, 33 of which will be handed over before the beginning of the 2015-2016 school year. It is worth noting that 23 schools are 98% complete in the areas of: Nuaija, Lejmailiya, Baaya, Al Rayyan, Al Hilal, Dahl al Hamam, Al Ghuwairiya, Al Khisa, Rawdat al Hamama, Aba al Hayran, Al Karaana, Rawdat Rashed, Umm Slal, Old Airport, Onaiza, and Al Wukair.
Additionally, the 4 schools in Al Shamal, Rawdat al Hamama, and Al Thumaid areas are 80% complete while 6 schools in Onaiza and Al Wukair are 60% complete.
In 2014, construction work started on five schools in Al Furush, Al Ghuwairiya and Ain Khaled and these schools are 25% complete.