DOHA, Qatar, Jan. 10, 2012 -- Ahead of the FIFA 2022 World Cup the first Middle East host Qatar is expected to spend $20 billion on power generation and water desalination over the next decade.
A report by Beltone Financial cited in the Gulf Times said that the country has already invested $10 billion on water desalination and power generation in the last decade alone.
On water supply and demand the report said they grew at double digit rates over the past decade, with capacity growing at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15%, while demand grew at a CAGR of 15.1% between 2004 and 2008.
Water demand meanwhile was forecast to continue growing at 11% year-on-year for the next five to seven years and Qatar’s total water desalination capacity now stands at 327 million imperial gallons per day (1.5 million m3 approx.)Hosting the 2022 World Cup will mean that significant investments will be made in Qatar’s infrastructure, including transportation, networks, roads, hotels, airport and other facilities.
Furthermore, a “Master Plan” is being developed by the country for its groundwater, surface water, wastewater and treated wastewater effluent reuse. Towards the end of last year public works authority Ashghal appointed MWH to develop an Integrated Drainage Master Plan for Qatar. This is part of the Qatar National Vision 2030 and Qatar Master Plan currently being developed by the Municipality for Municipal Planning.
The plan will study the whole water cycle in Qatar and link with the water master plan of Kahramaa, responsible for the distribution of clean potable water in Qatar. A 24 month period has been slated for the master plan study to be completed.
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- WaterWorld Middle East conference and exhibition will be launching in Qatar next month and will focus on Qatar’s fast developing water and wastewater sector, as well as countries in the MENA region. For more information click here.
