IHSAN YOUSSEF

DOHA QATAR General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa) signed 20 agreements worth over QR4 billion with domestic and foreign companies on Tuesday.

Addressing newspersons after signing the contracts, Minister of Energy and Industry HE Dr Mohammad bin Saleh al Sada said that execution of the projects would help meet the rapidly developing country’s growing electricity and water needs.

He said that Qatar’s strategy is to be prepared to meet those needs before they arise.

The agreements cover QR3.65 billion worth of projects approved under the tenth phase of the electricity network development and expansion plan, a QR300 million consultancy contract for construction of strategic water tanks and development of water systems and a QR64 million smart metre network pilot project.

Pointing out that all the 20 contracting firms are reputed and efficient, Sada called upon them to be active partners in Qatar’s progress.

Underlining the importance of cooperation, he called upon all parties to work hand in hand to execute the projects signed on Tuesday and expressed hope that the relationship would extend to future projects as well.

Sada who is also chairman of the Permanent Committee of Water Resources, said that development of power infrastructure is vital for the growth of several sectors. He reminded that during the last five years Kahramaa had spent over QR60 billion on development and expansion of power and water networks.

He said an estimated QR22 billion had been allocated to various projects for creation and management of water supply systems in the country.

The projects include extension of supply systems inside and outside Doha, in accordance with the expanding population, commercial and industrial infrastructure.