The Public Works Authority ‘Ashghal’ has launched an initiative to distribute mashmoum plants to homes in areas where infrastructure projects are being implemented, as a gesture of appreciation for residents’ cooperation and understanding throughout the construction period. The initiative is part of Ashghal’s corporate social responsibility efforts and aims to strengthen its engagement with local communities through a plant deeply rooted in Qatar’s cultural heritage. It also aligns with the objectives of Qatar Sustainability Week, which runs from 31 October to 7 November 2026.
The initiative covers residential areas and neighborhoods within the roads and infrastructure development projects being implemented by Ashghal across the country. Seedlings will be distributed gradually across these areas, with the participation of the Authority’s engineers. This approach will provide opportunities for direct interaction with residents in addition to sharing the initiative’s objectives and encouraging community participation.
A Gesture of Appreciation to Strengthen Engagement with Residents
In this regard, Ms. Ameera Al-Mushiri from Ashghal’s Public Relations and Communication Department said: “This initiative expresses the Authority’s appreciation for the cooperation and understanding shown by residents in project areas during construction works. It also reflects Ashghal’s commitment to its social responsibility by strengthening its relationship with the local community and implementing initiatives that positively impacts residents’ lives.”
The initiative also aims to revive the presence of the mashmoum plant in Qatari society, encourage families to grow it at home, and give the younger generations the chance to learn about it and take care of it. This helps strengthen their connection to the community's heritage, promotes sharing knowledge and experiences among family members, and passes down the tradition of planting and caring for mashmoum from one generation to the next.
Grow Mashmoum and Share the Story
The Authority encourages residents to document the stages of planting seedlings, their growth, and care, and to share memories and family experiences related to the mashmoum plant, which helps spread interest in this plant and encourages more families to grow it. It also urges the public to follow Ashghal’s official accounts to stay updated on the initiative’s news, distribution coverage, and community participation.
It is worth noting that the initiative supports the objectives of Qatar Sustainability Week by encouraging community members to adopt everyday environmentally friendly practices, starting with planting and continuing with the ongoing care of a plant. Residents’ participation can transform this community gesture into a lasting impact within their homes while promoting home gardening among people of all generations.
Advanced Infrastructure and Green Spaces
For her part, Eng. Fatema Salat, Head of Southern Areas Section at the Roads Projects Department, said the initiative comes alongside the continued implementation of road development and infrastructure projects across the country to meet residents’ needs and accommodate urban expansion. These projects include the development of internal roads and their connection to main roads to facilitate travel and improve traffic flow. They also enhance road safety through the provision of street lighting, parking spaces, and pedestrian and cycling paths. In addition, the works include the construction and development of drainage networks, stormwater drainage systems, treated water networks and other utility services.
The projects also include tree planting and beautification works, including the planting of trees, plants and ground cover along roads and in surrounding areas. They also include the provision of irrigation networks using treated water, contributing to the expansion of green spaces and the improvement of the overall appearance in the areas.
It is worth noting that Ashghal has planted more than 51,400 trees and implemented approximately 6,793,000 sqm of green spaces over the past five years within its various projects. These efforts aim to provide a more sustainable and comfortable environment for residents and road users.