23% cost saving on drainage operation and maintenance works in 2020

Doha: As part of its efforts to develop the strategy for operation and maintenance of drainage networks across Qatar, the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has achieved 23% savings on the costs of operation and maintenance of drainage networks, just one year after awarding the Catchment Zone Framework Contract.

The framework contracts are part of the comprehensive development programme called Catchment Zone Framework (CZF) Contract (Takamul) that divides Qatar’s drainage into three zones, north, south, and west.

Through this programme, Ashghal has contracted with three partners to implement the state’s drainage assets’ operation and maintenance works. The three main partners are assigned with zone-specific work orders for implementing maintenance, replacement, and rehabilitation works. Eng. Ahmed Sharif Al Ahmad, Director of Assets Affairs at Ashghal, highlighted the importance of implementing the new frame work contract.

“Through this contract, Ashghal aims to achieve its strategic vision while shifting its corporate capabilities from project implementation to assets management. The contract also helps Ashghal moving forward towards achieving excellence, and reaching the ranks of world’s leading institutions in this field, in preparation for hosting FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and beyond,” Eng. Al Ahmad said.

“Through CZF contract, we use the latest tools and technologies that contribute towards improving the operational efficiency of drainage networks and pumping stations, and saving maintenance costs, and enhancing health and safety measures at work sites. These measures have also significantly contributed to enhancing the speed of responding to customers by 98%,” he added.

For his part, Eng. Khaled Al Obaidly, Drainage Networks Operation and Maintenance Manager at Ashghal, commented: “Ashghal gives customer needs top priority in setting up preventive maintenance plans for drainage networks. Ashghal’s keenness on reducing costs and raising the level of quality service provided to the people of Qatar has necessitated in implementing the unified Catchment Zone Framework Contract.”

The three partners involved in the unified CZF contract include the following: Suez International SAS responsible for operation and maintenance of drainage networks and assets in the North of Qatar; Metito (Overseas) Qatar WLL, in charge of the southern area of Qatar and the Joint Venture of Mace Qatar and Aguas De Valencia responsible for the West of Qatar. Besides, several local sub-contractors are also involved with these main partners in the operation and maintenance of drainage assets in the state.

As seen on Peninsula Qatar  Image Credits Peninsula Qatar