Plans are afoot to develop the northern areas of the country in a big way. The move will additionally check the influx of people from these areas into Doha, which is bursting at its seams.
As part of the ambitious development plan, judicial and key government services, for which people rush to Doha, will be provided in the north, which is popularly known as Al Shamal.
"We are going to set up courts in Al Shamal and ensure that other basic government services are also available there," said the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, H E Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabor Al Thani.
Addressing businessmen under the auspices of the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and IndustryQatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Tuesday evening, he said a huge hospital will also be built in the area. He clarified that Al Khor already has a hospital and the new one will be built further north, in the heart of Al Shamal, which is the hub of the country's vibrant upstream energy industry.
Answering a question from the audience, the Premier disclosed that the country was following a decentralisation policy that aimed at focusing on development of areas away from Doha and its satellite townships. "We will have government offices in Al Shamal that will offer key services, aside from courts, so that people don't rush to Doha," he said.
Talking about lack of warehousing facilities in the country, in response to another question, the Premier said some 114 huge plots had already been allotted by the government for the purpose.
As for an area to be earmarked to house used car showrooms, he said the government had agreed in principle to have such an exclusive zone and discussions were on with the Ministry of Interior on the issue.
About contracting companies that have been fined for delaying public projects like roads and sewage, the Premier said the fines were being waived in the light of the fact that building materials were not available during the peak of the construction boom.
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