Doha, June 25 (QNA) - The Public Works Authority “Ashghal” said that the construction progress of the Food Security Facilities and Warehouses Project at Hamad Port reached 98% completion, saying that it is one of Qatar's most significant essential food security projects.

The project is one of the key national initiatives overseen by Ashghal in support of the Qatar National Food Security Strategy and Qatar National Vision 2030. It provides integrated infrastructure for the storage and processing of essential food commodities while enhancing the management of the State's reserves.

In a site visit to the Food Security Facilities and Warehouses Project at Hamad Port to review construction progress, HE President of the Ashghal Eng. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Meer emphasized the project's importance in supporting Qatar's food security system and strengthening the country's logistics and storage infrastructure, contributing to more efficient supply chains and ensuring the sustainable availability of food commodities.

For his part, Project Executive Nabil Al Khaldi said that the Food Security Facilities and Warehouses Project covers an area exceeding 530,000 square meters (53 hectares) and provides a total storage capacity of 300,000 metric tons, noting that the project includes the construction of 51 storage silos, along with specialized facilities for the processing, manufacturing, and storage of three key food commodities: rice, sugar, and edible oils. It also incorporates advanced facilities for oil refining and rice processing, designed in accordance with the highest operational standards.

The project functions as a fully integrated standalone operational terminal within Hamad Port. It includes a dedicated berth measuring 575 meters in length and 12.5 meters in depth to receive specialized food cargo vessels. In addition, approximately 500 meters of the port's quay wall will be utilized to support unloading and cargo-handling operations, enhancing food supply chain efficiency and accelerating the movement of essential commodities.'

Its location within Hamad Port provides a essential advantage through the direct integration of import, storage, processing, and distribution operations, improving logistics efficiency and ensuring the rapid delivery of food products to storage facilities and local markets, Al Khaldi added.

He noted that the project comprises a comprehensive range of operational facilities, including a rice mill, oil refinery, storage and packaging warehouses, oil storage tanks, and advanced handling, transportation, packaging, and reloading systems. It also includes administration and marine control buildings, electrical substations, central cooling facilities, maintenance and fueling facilities, as well as supporting infrastructure and services required to ensure efficient and sustainable operations.

In line with sustainability objectives, the project also includes a specialized facility for recycling by-products generated from food commodity processing and converting them into animal feed and other products that comply with applicable standards and regulations.

The project reflects Qatar's ongoing commitment to strengthening food security and enhancing the efficiency of its national reserves. It further reinforces the country's position as a regional leader in stock management and sustainable food supply systems, while supporting future development requirements and national resilience. (QNA)