Qatar Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has announced plans to launch 80 new infrastructure projects across the country during the 2014-15 period with special focus on its road and sewerage network upgradation, said a report.

The move comes as part of Qatar's efforts to enhance the civic facilities and further improve the standard of living of its residents, reported The Peninsula.

The project includes a nationwide integrated road, drainage and other infrastructure development programme.

Ashghal will concentrate on the sewage infrastructure projects and surface and groundwater networks besides drainage operations and maintenance, the report stated.

The project work also includes the development of a main pump station with a capacity of 23 cu m per second and that can produce up to 500,000 cu m per day of treated sewage effluent.

Once completed, these projects will serve more than 132,000 land plots, the report said, citing Ashghal's 2013-2014 annual report.

It is aimed at increasing the capacity of roads and utility services to meet the requirements of continuous urban development such as residential units, educational institutions, commercial complexes and other facilities, the report said.

Of the 80 projects, five will be coming up in the newer areas of the country, it added.

To enhance the role of local companies in the implementation of roads, drainage and utility services, Ashghal has short-listed 74 qualified firms, said the report.

Of the 172 projects announced, three have been completed, 16 are under construction, 24 in the tendering stage, and 129 in the design phase, it added.