Qatar has launched an investigation after heavy rains exposed poor construction in a country set to host the 2022 Fifa World Cup, a deluge that saw water cascade through the roof of its US$15 billion (Dh55.1bn) main airport.
The investigation is already examining the work of five unnamed companies and others could also be targeted in the probe launched by prime minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, who also serves as interior minister, the country’s state-run Qatar News Agency said.
“Parties responsible for dereliction or negligence, whether governmental or private, will be held accountable,” the agency said, citing a statement released late on Wednesday from Qatar’s government communication office.
When reached for comment, officials at Doha's Hamad International Airport issued a statement simply saying: "There was no impact to operations yesterday." It referred other questions to the government.
At least 79.5 millimetres of rain fell at the airport on Wednesday, according to the Qatar Meteorology Department. Typically, the hot, desert country sees around 50 millimetres of rain in a year.
The sudden rainfall saw water pour out of the airport’s ceiling in several places, captured in online videos.
Qatar opened Hamad International Airport in April 2014, part of its effort to enter the competitive Gulf airline market. The 600,000 square metre passenger terminal complex was scheduled to be completed in 2009.
The airport is part of a multibillion-dollar building boom in Doha ahead of the 2022 World Cup. However, the push has seen Qatar criticised for the way it treats its large migrant worker population. There have also been accusations of shoddy construction.
* Associated Press
The line up
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