Qatar’s 2020 budget proposal to re-launch the multi-billion dollar Sharq Crossing project reflects the country’s confidence in its long-term growth. Qatar’s construction companies and private sector businesses believe this major project will continue to feed and address the concerns of local construction companies.
The estimated $12bn Sharq Crossing undertaking will involve three extensions interconnected by subsea tunnels. As per the original design, the intersection will incorporate three scaffolds spreading over between 600 meters and 1,310 meters, connecting Doha’s Hamad International Airport with the city’s social locale of Katara Cultural Village in the north and the focal business territory of West Bay.
“The implementation of massive infrastructure development projects in the run-up to the 2022 FIFA games has created and given birth to several big Qatari construction companies. These companies now have world-class expertise and capabilities to execute big projects. The Sharq Crossing project and similar other big-ticket projects will continue to create job opportunities for such local companies” Mohamed bin Ahmed Mohamed Ali Al Obaidli, member of the Board of Director at Qatar Chamber, told The Peninsula, yesterday.
Mohamed bin Ahmed Mohamed Ali Al Obaidli (pictured) added: “In addition to Sharq Crossing, which was put on hold to keep enough jobs for local companies, there are many other projects the government is expected to launch in the coming years as several big construction projects such as Doha Metro, highways and expressways, and stadiums are almost completed or at the verge completion. The idea is to keep the companies busy and fill the gaps as and when there is a lack of job in the market.”
Al Obaidli, who is also a prominent Qatari businessman, noted that the government has many more development plans and projects, especially in regard to developing tourist attractions and beatification of the country, which will be very supportive to the construction industry, stimulate growth, and keep the private sector engaged.
In addition, the government is also working to support and promote a vibrant private sector in Qatar through various engagements and programs, including the public-private partnership initiative.
The Ministry of Finance, in the national budget 2020 on Monday, announced to re-launch the Sharq Crossing project, which will be completed over the next four years and expected to create thousands of new jobs directly and indirectly. The governed has allocated QR90bn for major projects to be spent during the year 2020.
Once completed, Sharq Crossing— the architectural iconic project— will redefine Doha’s skyline and enhance its beauty significantly. The project is expected to be capable of handling 6,000 vehicles an hour and offer big relief to commuters on the Corniche road, which is also being expanded and redeveloped.
The plan for the project, dubbed as one of the most ambitious engineering projects ever undertaken in the Middle East, was unveiled in December 2013.
As per the initial plan, the construction was supposed to commence in 2015 and scheduled to be completed by 2021. But now it is expected to be completed by 2023-24.
The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has not disclosed the exact cost of the project; but MEED, the Middle East’s leading business intelligence firm, had previously estimated it would cost approximately $12bn, according to reports.
The Peninsula
18/12/2019
