Barwa Real Estate Group and the Public Works Authority (Ashghal), yesterday announced to have signed the first agreement of its kind of Public-Private Partnership (PPP). As per the agreement, Barwa will develop eight public schools by the year 2022 and provide maintenance support over a period of 25 years under the (Qatar Schools PPP Development Program – Package 1).
Schools will be directly leased to the Ministry of Education and Higher Education upon completion of all construction works. This agreement comes in line with Law No 12 of 2020 issued by Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, which governs the partnership between the public and private sectors.
Abdulla Jobara Al Romaihi, Acting Group CEO of Barwa Real Estate, said: “We are pleased to collaborate once again with the Government of Qatar represented by the Public Works Authority “Ashghal” and the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, to develop eight schools in different areas of the country. This is the first Public-Private Partnership, Barwa, however, has a long track record of projects implemented previously in collaboration with governmental bodies, all of which aim to improve the level of services provided by the state to the Qatari community”.
“In Barwa we are constantly striving to diversify the sectors in which we work and invest. Developing the educational sector represents today as a top priority for the State. Qatar has significant allocations dedicated to developing education sector and improving the outcomes of the educational process. This will be achieved through providing proper environment and facilities necessary to support the educational process. Barwa Real Estate role is to call upon its capabilities, expertise and resources to accomplish the best quality as per the aspirations of the Qatari government and the people of Qatar”.
Al Romaihi added: “Barwa will continue to support government initiatives and projects, and strengthen its position as the strategic partner for the State of Qatar”.
Each of the new schools will offer 30 classes, including allocated classes and facilities for special needs. Classes will accommodate 786 students according to the approved design model. The schools will have dedicated and equipped educational facilities for science, linguistics, IT, sports, arts, activities as well as libraries. Schools will also offer outdoor spaces, sports fields, car parks and service buildings.
Schools will feature new designs and new interior colors for different age groups. A three-star GSAS system will be implemented in educational facilities, which is based on the application of sustainability standards and green building requirements in design and construction. Barwa takes into account as well the compliance with NFPA and civil defense requirements, and the construction requirements for special needs, including entrances, exits and toilets.
This type of Public-Private Partnership aims to enhance the contribution of the private sector in implementing major state projects in order to achieve economic development and encourage competition and innovation.
The Peninsula
06/09/2020
