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| Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz al-Thani |
HE the Minister of Municipality and Urban planning Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz al-Thani has affirmed that the newly elected Central Municipal Council (CMC) is reflective of “true democracy” enjoyed by Qatar thanks to the wise leadership of HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani.
Speaking to Qatar News Agency (QNA), the minister said the Law No 1 of 2011 amending some provisions of Law No. 12 of 1998 regulating the CMC would have a “positive impact” on the Council’s functioning and improve its performance.
“These amendments are to clarify and eliminate confusion over the CMC’s authorities on its relationship with the civil society and the competent authorities in the state,” he said, adding: “This would not only help the CMC to take the appropriate recommendations in line with the citizens’ needs but also support the long-term planning process.”
The minister expects the ministry and the CMC to enhance co-operation and integration of their efforts to reach the common goal of serving the country and the citizens according to the relevant laws and regulations.
The roles of the ministry and the Council complement each other, he said.
On May 10, Qatar elected the 29 members of the Central Municipal Council (CMC) during the fourth municipal council elections.
The first Municipal Council in Qatar was formed in the early 1950s and it was reorganised in 1956.
Doha Municipality came into being in May 1963.
The ministry of municipal affairs was established in 1972 as a government body responsible for supervising the functions of municipalities.
On the ongoing projects being implemented by the ministry of municipality and urban planning, the minister reviewed a number of major road improvements and expansion programmes, such as the “Doha Bay Crossing”, “Al Rayyan Road to Doha”, the rehabilitation plan of the Doha Corniche, and work at the existing airport.
In this context, the minister announced the completion of the feasibility study for the “Doha Bay Crossing” project since February 2010.
The study confirmed that there is a significant need for crossings to solve the traffic problems in Doha by opening a main traffic artery running from Al Wakrah, the southern localities and the New Doha International Airport to the West Bay and northern areas in Lusail, the minister explained.
The implementation plans are scheduled over the next few months, he added.
On the Al Rayyan Road - Doha Expressway project, the minister said the Urban Planning and Development Authority and the Public Works Authority have invited a tender for a feasibility study and a detailed project report, which would be prepared in collaboration with all competent authorities, notably Qatar Railways Development Company, adding that the study is expected to be completed by October 2011.
As part of Qatar’s comprehensive Urban Strategy 2032, the ministry of municipality and urban planning will be providing all the necessary land in several localities, such as Al Shamal, Simaisma, Al Khor and Al Wakrah, the minister added.
The ministry of municipality and urban planning has assigned a global consulting firm to prepare a proposal detailing the project structure for re-developing the current Doha International Airport’s region, the minister said, pointing out that Qatari Diar will implement this project.
The minister also discussed the Doha Master Plan which aims to rebuild Doha and involves creating a modern and revitalised heart for the capital, rooted in Arabic and Islamic.
The idea of the Doha Master Plan is based on two pillars: Developing multi-use centres to respond to increasing density and enhancing the public transport system, which includes metro, train and bus and rapid transit operating within the transport network, the minister explained.
Along with urban development strategy, the ministry of municipality and urban planning attaches great importance to developing urban green spaces for families, the minister said.
The ministry has allocated a budget of QR320mn to implement this strategy, under which 38 new projects aimed at establishing and rehabilitating public parks have so far been implemented, the minister said, referring to the Memorandum of Understanding which was recently signed between the Municipality of Doha and Vodafone Qatar to develop the Sheraton play garden.
