The Minister of Commerce and Industry, H E Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari, underlined that the agreement signed yesterday between the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) and Dar Al Uloom Real Estate Development Company, a subsidiary of Barwa Real Estate Group, to construct eight public schools within Qatar Schools Development Program and under the public private partnership (PPP) system, embodies the principles stipulated by Law No. 12 of 2020 on regulating the partnership between the government and the private sector, which was issued by Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
In a press statement following the signing ceremony, H E the Minister of Commerce and Industry underlined that this step confirms the keenness and continuous support of H H the Amir for the private sector, by establishing an integrated and stimulating system for the prosperity and growth of this vital sector, adding that “supporting the private sector is one of the top priorities of our wise leadership”.
H E the Minister appreciated the directives of Prime Minister and Minister of Interior H E Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani, which reflect the interest in the role that the private sector plays as a strategic partner to achieve the future vision of Qatar.
His Excellency indicated that this agreement represents an inspiring model for the partnership between the public and private sectors, especially as it mainly aims at supporting the nations education system, adding that the partnership contributes to expanding Qatar’s investment horizons.
His Excellency explained that providing opportunities to the private sector to execute development projects contributes to raising the efficiency and sustainability of the governments infrastructure and services. He added that PPP projects play a vital role in rationalizing public budget expenditures, achieving the optimal investment of resources, and enhancing the competitiveness of Qatari private companies, as well as directing government agencies to adopt a new vision for managing national projects, meeting economic and social development requirements and attracting domestic and foreign investments.
For his part, President of the Public Works Authority (Ashghal), Dr. Eng. Saad bin Ahmed Al Muhannadi, affirmed that the contract is the first of its kind, and comes within the framework of the directives of the wise leadership and the recent law issued by H H the Amir regulating the partnership between public sector and private sector, where 47 new schools are scheduled to be created though the private sector during the next five years, including these eight schools as a first package.
The Ashghal President pointed out that the project has been assigned to a national company in accordance with the government’s directives to give priority to Qatari businesses, noting that Ashghal does not hesitate to facilitate procedures for the private sector, especially for local firms who are implementing Ashghal projects.
Under the agreement, which has been concluded within the framework of the Qatar Schools Development Program and under the public private partnership (PPP) system, Dar Al Uloom Real Estate Development Company, affiliated to Barwa Real Estate Group, will establish eight new public schools belonging to the Ministry of Education and Higher Education. In this context, a middle school and a secondary school for boys will be built in Al Kheesa, Rawdat Al Hamama in addition to a middle school for girls in Bu Fesseela, three secondary schools for girls in Umm Salal Mohammed, Rawdat Al Naisar and Al Wakrah, and an elementary school for girls and a model school for boys in Al Wukair. The projects are expected to be completed by 2022, to accommodate more than 6,000 students and employ 720 people.
The agreement allows the implementing company to design and build schools and provide operation, maintenance and security services for 25 years. And, upon the end of the specified period, the implementing company is committed to returning schools to the state in good condition.
Each school will consist of 30 classrooms to accommodate about 786 students. According to the approved design model, the schools will include various educational facilities such as science labs, language labs, information technology, sports and arts halls, multipurpose halls, gyms, libraries and classrooms, in addition to external facilities including shaded parking, sports fields, and service buildings.
The implementing company will also take into account the sustainability criteria represented by the “GSAS” 3-star system, which focuses on promoting the application of green building requirements in the design and construction of facilities.
With regard to safety requirements, compliance will be taken into account in accordance with the NFPA, as well as civil defense requirements. The new school buildings will also consider the requirements of Qatar Building Code for people with special needs, in terms of providing appropriate entrances as well as special toilet designs and other requirements.
The new buildings will also witness adjustments in external and interior designs, including changing the colors of floors and interior walls to suit the students ages, which improves the study and psychological environment and reflects positively on educational outcomes.
