RTA meets with Japanese Contractors Association, welcomes Japanese companies to RTA projects
H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board & Executive Director of Roads & Transport Authority (RTA), has met with Mr. Kanji Hayama, Chairman of Japanese Civil Contractors Association, and Chairman of Taisei Construction Corporation, in the presence of H.E. Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair to discuss the challenges facing Japanese contractors in Dubai's construction sector.
At the outset of the meeting Al Tayer praised the performance of Japanese companies undertaking several roads and bridges projects besides Dubai Metro project. He highlighted their commitment to deliver projects on schedule and apply the highest standards of security and safety at construction sites.
The meeting discussed the method of dealing with contractors in Dubai and Japan as well as methods of contracting. The two parties explored ways and means of boosting cooperation and exchanging expertise between the RTA and Japanese businesses engaged in roads and transportation sector. They also reviewed future road projects and the infrastructure in Dubai.
Al Tayer said that he would be looking forward for Japanese companies specialized in road projects and various transport systems; such as metro, tram and other modes, to take part in the tenders to be offered by the RTA under the current master plan.
'RTA is committed to apply the best practices in every stage in order to realize the intended objective of providing safe and smooth transport for all, and at the same time contribute to raising the profile of Dubai worldwide. The UAE in general and Dubai in particular is witnessing a massive development drive that led to an influx of people and businesses. This requires preparing all sorts of infrastructure, including roads & transport means, such as Dubai Metro, marine transport modes, buses, taxis …etc, to cater for the increasing growth rates in population, projects and urbanization' said Al Tayer.
RTA Chairman of the Board & Executive Director briefed Mr. Kanji on the key projects currently undertaken by the RTA at a cost of around Dhs30bn. The number and volume of road projects underway is in excess of Dhs10bn. Projects portfolio includes modernization of roads network and construction of new crossings over Dubai Creek; which have now jumped from 19 to 48 lanes.
The list included the Dhs15bn Dubai Metro project and the mass transit system envisaging increasing the number of public buses to about 2500 buses by 2009 including double deck and articulated buses. He also reviewed the project of upgrading marine mass transit system including renovation of abra transit and introducing the Water Bus and Water Taxi. He revealed that the total cost of road projects to be carried out by the RTA in the Strategic Plan spanning up to 2020 is more than Dhs45bn.
Mr. Kanji Hayama, Chairman of Taisei Construction Corporation, said: 'Since the inception of Taisei Construction Corporation 131 years ago, the Co. has undertaken many notable projects in Japan and overseas. We have continuously met the demands of a changing era and people's aspirations for the future through sound construction operations. As the world enters the second century of modern urban construction, there is a strong need to preserve historic scenery, protect the environment and create attractive public and private spaces. We are keen to introduce more advanced technologies through redoubling efforts to produce world-class, leading-edge technologies.
