The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has completed improving the road safety features surrounding 518 schools across the country, accounting for 91% of the total number of schools included in the School Zone Safety Programme, as part of Ashghals preparation for the new academic year 2021/2022.

According to a study conducted by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, Ashghal has coordinated with the Ministry of Interior and the National Road Safety Committee to identify school areas in need of development. This year priority was given to approximately 568 schools spread across various areas in Qatar.

Safety plans are being implemented for 41 schools and plans have been completed for two additional schools, with work expected to commence as soon as necessary approvals are obtained from concerned entities in the country. In addition, road safety plans are being designed for 7 schools. It is worth noting that 100% of schools included in the School Zone Safety Programme are in different stages of implementation.

Head of Highways Operation & Maintenance Section Eng. Hassen Al Hamadi said that Ashghal continues to implement a comprehensive and continuous plan with international standards to ensure road safety features are in place on the roads surrounding schools, thus enhancing the security and safety of students, parents, and staff. Ashghal gives this programme high priority, as it is one of the key elements to achieve the National Road Safety Strategy (2018 2022). It aims to ease traffic congestions in these areas, separate vehicles from pedestrians, and improve unpaved roads to achieve higher safety levels, ensuring safe entry and exit of students and parents from schools.

Al Hamadi added that works implemented by the Roads Operation and Maintenance Department at Ashghal include the establishment and development of roads with the highest level of safety in the school zones by providing designated car parks, building medians, and small roundabouts in order to manage traffic flow in those areas. In addition to installing a number of directional signs and provides road markings near schools to alert drivers of the speed limit set at 30 km/hr."

Speed humps with particular specifications are installed for speed reduction, in addition to creating safe pedestrians paths for road users and people with special needs, while upgrading and maintaining pedestrian paths at the entrances and exits of schools.

Moreover, to ensure safe entrances to schools, which overlook main streets, bright-colored rumble strips are placed to alert drivers when arriving or leaving the school district, with clear warning signals to ensure the safety of the entire school community.

Source: Qatar News Agency
Cover image: Qatar Public Works Authority (Ashgal)

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