Works by Qatari artists that promote heritage and culture of the country should be used to beautify the entry and exits of flyovers, bridges and the various underpasses, Central Municipal Council (CMC) members have suggested.
Member Fatmah Ahmed al-Kuwari had earlier submitted a suggestion in this regard. CMC issued some recommendations to the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) at its regular bi-weekly session yesterday.
They suggested that arts societies and centres in the country should be involved in this initiative to better employ talented people.
However, CMC member Jassim al-Malki pointed out that for highways, flyovers and bridges, it is not feasible to display artworks for safety reasons as they would distract motorists.
He said that except for road signs and traffic warnings, such display would be tantamount to violation of traffic safety rules and standards.
The CMC agreed to forward the recommendation to the Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME).
The Council also demanded that CMC members should be a part of the committee regulating and approving speed breakers in their
respective constituencies.
“CMC members are well-acquainted with the requirements of their areas because they meet the residents and listen to their concerns and requests on regular basis,” said CMC vice-chairman Hamad Lahdan al-Muhannadi.
Recalling a recent meeting with the Minister of Municipality and Environment, CMC chairman Mohamed Hammoud al-Shafi said that the Minister supported CMC’s proposals.
The Council discussed the ongoing work at Al Jazira Al Arabiya Street, and advised Ashghal to complete work from the eastside that would connect Wadi Al-Sail with Madinat Khalifa, to ease traffic in the area.
CMC members Mohamed bin Ali al-Azbah, and Mohamed bin Hamad al-Attan said illegal parking of trucks and heavy equipment vehicles along the south Industrial Area road and in many parts Muaither and Al-Syliyah areas is causing a lot of inconvenience to residents and road users there.

CMC chief for choices in house building
Central Municipal Council (CMC) chairman Mohamed Hammoud al-Shafi yesterday proposed that the department concerned with housing for citizens should collaborate with Qatar Development Bank (QDB) to help in construction of houses.
“Since many Qataris lack adequate experience in how to build a house or deal with contractors, some contractors may mislead them and waste their money,” he told the bi-weekly session of the CMC.
“Some Qataris may wait up to 10 years to get their house built. Around 70-80% end up in disputes at the local court,” al-Shafi pointed out.
The CMC chairman suggested that instead of giving citizens loan to build house, QDB and the department concerned at the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs should co-ordinate with contractors to help in construction and spare the citizens the undesirable consequences of delay and potential fraud.