Future-proofing Infrastructure in a Water-Stressed Nation


By 2011, entire neighborhoods in Al Wakra and Al Wukair had risen where only desert had stretched south of Doha, Qatar’s capital. Development followed, building roads, homes, and schools. The ground beneath all that, however, told a different story. 

Manholes were overflowing after bursts of rain showers; septic trucks would queue through the night to pump out sewage. The odor of untreated waste lingered near construction sites. 

The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) recognized the urgency of the situation and moved quickly to respond. Promptly so, Qatar would initiate one of the largest wastewater infrastructure projects in the country: the Al Wakra and Al Wukair Sewage Treatment Plant (STP). The project, planned to serve a growing population through 2045 and beyond, provides a blueprint for long-term, scalable, and sustainable wastewater management in arid regions.


A Multi-Stakeholder Partnership

The STP project is delivered through a public-private partnership involving several specialized stakeholders. Ashghal serves as the project owner and ensures compliance with national infrastructure standards. Wakra Water is the developer and operator under a 25-year concession agreement, responsible for the full lifecycle of the project.

The Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contract was awarded to the CME Joint Venture, comprising Elegancia, Metito, and ÇALIK ENERJI. CME JV  also appointed Parsons as the lead designer and technical solutions provider. Mott MacDonald supports Ashghal as the Project Engineer, while Egis was selected by Wakra Water to independently review design deliverables.

Engicon was appointed by CME JV as the Quality Supervision Consultant, responsible for ensuring quality and compliance throughout all phases of construction. Its mandate covers the full construction lifecycle, with a focus on ensuring that the project meets international quality and safety standards at every stage.


Quality Assurance at Every Step 



Engicon’s scope of work is divided into two main phases:

Phase 1: Analyzing document and technical reviews. This includes multidisciplinary evaluation of shop drawings, approval of material submittals, and review of method statements and temporary works proposals. Engicon also oversees Material Inspection Requests (MIRs) and supports the preparation of documentation required for authority approvals and project handover.

Beyond documentation, Engicon provides ongoing advisory services to the EPC contractors. These include recommendations to improve construction sequencing efficiency, minimize risks, and enhance productivity—while also maintaining high safety standards across the site.

Phase 2: Engicon deploys an on-site team responsible for construction supervision and quality assurance. Their duties include daily inspection and monitoring of works, verifying clearances for sequential construction activities, and validating material and workmanship testing. The team ensures that all work adheres to project specifications, Qatari regulatory requirements, and the Qatar Construction Standards (QCS) 2014.

This dual-phase approach ensures continuous oversight, both in the planning room and in the field, contributing to the overall integrity and durability of the infrastructure.

Designed for Long-Term Growth

The plant is built with a phased expansion model. Phase-1 delivers a treatment capacity of 150,000 cubic meters per day, with an ultimate target of 600,000 cubic meters per day through future expansion. The infrastructure is engineered to accommodate population growth through 2045, with critical components such as the Main Trunk Sewer (MTS) designed for a 100-year service life.

The MTS spans 13.3 kilometers, with diameters reaching up to 4.5 meters. Operating entirely on gravity, it contains no pumps or mechanical components within the sewer line, which reduces energy consumption and minimizes points of failure. Its self-cleansing hydraulic design helps prevent solids accumulation during low-flow periods, a key requirement in desert environments.

Efficient Site Layout and Operations

The approximately 1,500-hectare site is organized into three core operational zones:

• Shared Facilities Site: Houses the Terminal Pump Station, odor control systems, and future pump infrastructure, strategically placed to minimize impact on surrounding communities.
• STW Facilities Site: Contains liquid treatment, sludge treatment, and treated sewage effluent (TSE) facilities, laid out for optimal flow and ease of expansion.
• Kahramaa Facilities Site: Positioned for efficient connection to power supply lines, enabling uninterrupted 24/7 operations.

This layout enables streamlined treatment processes and supports modular expansion without disrupting current operations.

Reuse as a Resource

The plant's treated effluent output represents a significant opportunity for resource recovery. Although Qatar currently reuses only a fraction of its treated wastewater, the new facility supports expanded use in agriculture, industry, and landscaping. This aligns with national goals to reduce reliance on desalinated water and improve overall sustainability.

The Al Wakra and Al Wukair STP stands as a model for how long-term infrastructure planning, rigorous quality systems, and cross-sector collaboration can deliver results under challenging conditions. The project meets immediate public health needs while laying the groundwork for future urban development.

Engicon’s integrated role, supporting quality both in planning and execution, was critical to meeting the project's technical and regulatory goals. Their supervision helped ensure the delivery of infrastructure capable of supporting Qatar’s urban expansion for generations to come.

How Engicon Participates

Engicon plays a highly strategic role in maintaining quality across the project by combining hands-on site supervision with continuous coordination among key stakeholders, including the EPC contractor, over 30 subcontractors, the client, and regulatory authorities.
Positioned at the intersection of design, execution, and compliance, Engicon helps coordinate the various components of the project. By reinforcing communication and alignment between disciplines, the firm acts as a stabilizing force. This ensures that work proceeds according to technical specifications, safety standards, and regulatory expectations.

This integrated approach has established a clear framework for communication and accountability, ensuring that quality objectives are consistently achieved at every stage of construction.