Some of the international firms involved in the Doha expressway are not pulling their weight, according to a senior Public Works Authority (Ashghal) official. Abdullathif Al Muhannadi, Doha Expressway Project Manager, said in Ashghal magazine: “Sad to say, some of the companies involved in the implementation of the project are not up to the international standards we expect. Earlier, some local companies were accused of making delays, now some international companies also lag behind.” Al Muhannadi felt this applied to their quality of work as well. “Some of these companies come to this country with the notion it is very easy to get things done. They are stunned by the firm systems and regulations they have to follow before starting implementation,” he said. Al Muhannadi said firms involved in the project should have a strong consultancy capacity, a follow-up team and all standards should be met. “What qualifies international firms is their equipment capacity. The local firms can venture with them so they can benefit from urban development,” he said. The approximately QR8bn project has 16 phases, comprising 60 interchanges. Traffic control will be carried out using the latest technologies, said Al Muhannadi. “We are trying to introduce the Intelligent Traffic system (ILTS) which will guide drivers using electronic billboards, warning them in case of emergencies, traffic jams or accidents so drivers can take an alternative route,” he said. Free telephones will be installed on the roadsides through which services like the police, fire department, ambulances and emergency helicopters can be called. “There are operations and control rooms that will be set up on the way,” said Al Muhannadi. “We are also working on introducing electronic digital information boards to guide drivers in different languages throughout the route. There will be a camera-controlled traffic room, also known as a 'quick response chamber,” he said. The telephone network in the control room can connect both ends of the Expressway up to a distance of 15 km. The control room will also monitor trucks to ensure they are not overloaded. “In order bring about public awareness, the services of Qtel may be utilised to provide information by SMS and Qatar Radio may be utilised to broadcast the latest traffic information,” said Al Muhannadi. The Peninsula

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