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History

Before KAHRAMAA's Establishment
Early 1900’s to 1940’s: From the early 1900’s to the late 1940’s, no information is available about the status of the supply of water and electricity in Qatar. Records show that Qatar’s first Oil Well in Dukhan started production in 1940 and first oil shipment was exported in 1949. These are indicators that large permanent communities may have been established around that period needing sustained water and electricity for survival and industry.

Early 1950’s - Late 1960’s
  1. The supply of water and electricity were controlled by the British. They came under two separate departments, the State Electricity Department and the State Water Department. Qatar was then a British Protectorate.
  2. First Desalination Plant with a capacity of 150,000 imperial gallons per day

was built in 1953.
  1. The first diesel powered electricity station was built in Mushaireb, stationed where the Le Mirage Hotel now stands.
  2. The Ras Abu Aboud power station began operation in 1963 using steam turbines.
  3. Ras Abu Aboud desalination plant began distilling water over the same period.
  4. Desalinated water was stored in ground reservoirs and water towers then carted by water tankers to consumers.
  5. All users of water and electricity paid for the service.

1970’s
  1. The Ministry of Electricity and Water was created along with 8 other ministries as part of the Council of Ministers formed in preparation for Independence in 1971.
  2. Qatar’s first graduate Engineer takes charge as Under Secretary of Electricity and Water. Both sectors remained separate entities but reported to the Under Secretary who in turn reported to the Minister.
  3. First Computerized Electricity Systems Control Center is operational in 1977. This ensured a reliable supply to consumers and maximum safety for employees and equipment.
  4. Enhanced Systems Control Centers were commissioned to meet increasing demand for supply.
  5. Water and electricity capacity and distribution networks were upgraded.
  6. Ras Abu Aboud power station is upgraded in Phases and changes from steam to gas turbines. The same happens with water.
  7. Ras Abu Fontas ‘A’ power station using gas turbines began operations in 1977 and is upgraded in stages to 1980. Ras Abu Fontas ‘A’ desalinated plant also undergoes same upgrades to increase capacity.

1980’s
  1. In early 1980’s Power and Water are still separate businesses.
  2. Work to lay down thousands of meters of water mains began in 1982. Between 1982 and 1996, about 1.17 million meters of water distribution network mains were in place.
  3. A growing demand for electricity sees the introduction of Satellite power stations in Al Sailiyah 1 & 2, Doha Super South and Al Wajbah 3.
  4. German companies, Fischner and Eubanks begin construction of new power infrastructure
  5. Capacity for water output from the Ras Abu Fontas ‘A’ Desalinated Plant is increased markedly.
  6. From the late 1980’s to early 1990’s, oil prices slumped on the world market leading to less oil revenue, decreasing the investments in the development of the country infrastructure projects, and resulted to instability in the electricity system.

1990’s
  1. Water and Electricity operated under the Ministry of Electricity and Water. All related activities were kept in-house and labour was sourced directly.
  2. Al Wajbah 1&2 Satellite power stations were commissioned into operation in 1992.
  3. Phase 5 of Ras Abu Fontas ‘A’ to increase water output came on stream and Ras Abu Fontas ‘B’ Distillers 1, 2, 3 and 5 & 6 began operations in late 90’s.
  4. Ras Abu Fontas ‘B’ gas powered station 1,2,3,4 & 5 were commissioned in the mid 90’s.
  5. In 1997, a decision is made to bring Water and Electricity under one umbrella under the Ministry of Energy and Industry.
  6. 1998 to 1999, the legislative and administrative processes are put in place for the formation of Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation, KAHRAMAA.

Establishment of KAHRAMAA
July 2000: Qatar General Electricity & Water Corporation "KAHRAMAA" was established in July 2000 further to the Emiri Law number 10, to regulate and maintain the supply of electricity and water to its customers.
After KAHRAMAA's Establishment:

2000 - to date:
  1. KAHRAMAA begins operations as a corporate entity.
  2. 30 December 2002: Qatar Electricity & Water Company (QEWC) and Qatar General Electricity & Water Corporation (KAHRAMAA) have signed an agreement for the sale and transfer of the ownership of the stations owned by the Corporation to the company
  3. The production of electricity and desalination of water are outsourced leaving KAHRAMAA to focus on transmission and distribution.
  4. A project to replace old water pipes with new pipes built to specifications begins.
  5. Speed pumps are installed to by-pass small water towers so water is pumped directly from reservoir to homes.
  6. KAHRAMAA begins pumping water 24 hours continuously from June 2008.
  7. KAHRAMAA enters into agreements with electricity and water supplies for increased volumes and capacity over the long term.
  8. Internal capacity building to train and upgrade staff skill sets to improve service delivery to customers continues.
  9. Customer numbers increase leading to the opening of more KAHRAMAA Service offices at various locations across the country.
  10. Customer response time improves greatly with innovative systems.
 

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