Nama accelerates drive towards fully Omani water workforce

MUSCAT: Nama Water Services is stepping up its workforce localisation strategy with a new intake of 303 Omani employees as the state-owned utility moves closer to achieving full Omanisation across its operation and maintenance activities, its top executives said in an interview with Observer.
The third phase of Nama's training-for-employment programme will lift Omanisation in its operation and maintenance contracts to more than 90 per cent, while laying the foundation for the company's longer-term objective of reaching 100 per cent national employment in the sector.
Chief Executive Officer Qais bin Saud al Zakwani said the initiative reflects a broader shift in how infrastructure projects are delivered, placing equal emphasis on developing people alongside expanding essential public services.
'Development is not limited to delivering projects. It begins with preparing and empowering people,' Al Zakwani said. 'We see our projects as integrated development programmes that strengthen infrastructure while also building national capabilities, supporting the economy and creating lasting value for Omani society.'
The latest recruitment round covers permanent positions with supply companies operating water and wastewater facilities across the Sultanate of Oman. More than 300 Omanis will be employed in technical and operational roles distributed across the governorates served by Nama Water Services.
Al Zakwani said assigning employees within their home governorates improves workforce stability and helps retain skilled professionals in local communities.

'We have aligned employment opportunities with the actual needs of each governorate. This enables beneficiaries to work close to their families and communities while supporting the sustainability of national talent where it is most needed,' he said.
Nama's localisation programme has progressed steadily since its launch. Omanisation in targeted operation and maintenance contracts increased to around 55 per cent during the first phase before exceeding 80 per cent in the second. The third phase is expected to push the figure beyond 90 per cent.
Eng Abdullah al Nuaimi, Operations and Maintenance Chief Officer, said the programme combines recruitment with structured technical preparation to ensure graduates are ready for long-term careers rather than short-term placements.
'We follow a systematic approach,' Al Nuaimi said. 'Participants receive technical and administrative training before moving into three months of on-the-job training. This ensures they are fully prepared before assuming operational responsibilities.'
He said Nama also operates a continuous monitoring system to support employees after they join the workforce.
'We closely follow up with every employee, collect regular feedback and take any action required to improve retention and support their continued development within the sector,' Al Nuaimi said.

Unlike project-based hiring, the new positions are linked to ongoing operation and maintenance contracts that underpin the country's water and wastewater services.
'These are continuous contracts that form part of our daily operations,' Al Nuaimi said. 'The jobs therefore become part of the national economy while strengthening the resilience of the sector over the long term.'
Nama plans to complete the localisation of its operation and maintenance workforce while improving operational efficiency.
'Our next milestone is achieving 100 per cent Omanisation,' Al Nuaimi said. 'Alongside that, we will continue optimising operational roles to enhance efficiency and ensure sustainable service delivery.'
Al Zakwani said the programme supports the objectives of Oman Vision 2040 by creating skilled national talent capable of sustaining one of the country's most critical public services.
'We are not simply announcing another employment programme,' he said. 'We are investing in people because national capabilities remain the foundation for the future sustainability and success of the water sector.'