Fresh calls to fine firms delaying Ashghal projects
A panel of the Central Municipal Council (CMC) has called for expediting approval of a draft law that stipulates that contracting companies be fined if they delay the handing over of Ashghal projects.
The legal affairs committee of the CMC met yesterday and discussed a proposal submitted by Councillor Mohamed bin Saleh Al Khayarin, suggesting that contractors working on infrastructure projects for Ashghal be fined if the completion of the projects is delayed.
Al Khayarin said steps should be taken to enact a law that stipulates stiff penalties on contractors for delays.
The meet was chaired by Sheikha Al Jefairi, CMC member and head of its legal cell. She is the lone woman councillor in the CMC.
Ali Al Duhaimi, Head, Contracting Affairs Department, and Mohamed Ahmed Najeeb, Consultant for Contracting Affairs, both from Ashghal (Public Works Authority), were present.
It emerged during discussions that there already is a draft law with the Secretariat-General of the Cabinet which stipulates fines on Ashghal contractors for delaying infrastructure projects.
The committee hoped that this draft law would be pursued and efforts made to turn it into a law sooner.
The panel decided that a detailed report would be prepared on the issue and forwarded to the CMC with recommendations so that the council can hold discussions on it and take steps.
