MUSCAT: Multiple cooperation agreements were signed between Nama Water Services and Dutch organizations during the recently concluded Oman Water Week, held on January 22- 24 at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC). The event served as a platform for experts, policymakers, and industry professionals to discuss and explore opportunities for transforming the water sector in Oman to become more resilient, sustainable, flexible, and efficient.
The agreements were signed by Qais bin Saud al Zakwani, Chief Executive Officer of Nama Water Services, and representatives of the different companies.
The Netherlands Water Partnership (NWP) and the Netherlands Embassy in Muscat played a crucial role in facilitating the Dutch water sector's representation and organizing speaking engagements for several Dutch organizations.
The agreements signed during the event underscore the long-term commitment of both the Omani and Dutch water sectors in collaborating and shaping the future of water in Oman. One of the key agreements signed was between Nama Water Services and Kiwa, a global testing, inspection, and certification (TIC) company. The contract renewal between the two organizations extends their fruitful collaboration for another period. Kiwa will continue to provide product evaluations and on-site factory audits for Nama certification associated with drinking water for the Omani market.
Annemieken van der Velden, Business Manager for Water, signed the agreement on behalf of Kiwa.
Additionally, Kiwa's scope of services will be expanded to include the certification of drinking water chemicals and wastewater products, further contributing to a sustainable water sector in Oman. Another significant agreement was signed between Nama Water Services and Wetskills. This three-year memorandum of understanding (MoU) aims to collaborate on inspiring and capacitating young talents in water and sustainability from Oman.
The partnership will involve organising Wetskills events in Oman, allowing Omani participants to participate in Wetskills events outside Oman, and exploring promising ideas through WetsNext. This collaboration will foster knowledge exchange and skill development between the Dutch and Omani water sectors, promoting a sustainable and innovative approach to water management.
Witteveen+Bos, a member of NWP, entered into a joint venture with YAS Consulting Engineers (YAS CE) for the testing of Non-Revenue Water solutions in three different pilot areas in Oman. The partnership between these two organizations will facilitate effective pilot project implementation assigned by Nama Water Services, aimed at reducing water losses and improving the efficiency of the water distribution network. The agreements signed at Oman Water Week also highlighted the importance of wetlands and mangrove ecosystems in Oman.
The Embassy of the Netherlands in Oman, in collaboration with Qualies, organised a stakeholder meeting on Wetland and Mangrove Ecosystems Implementation. The meeting aimed to discuss the revival, restoration, and expansion of these ecosystems, recognising their value for nature and humans. The event provided a platform for knowledge sharing and exploring opportunities for ecotourism and generating foreign exchange earnings through international carbon credit markets.
These collaborations demonstrate the dedication of Nama Water Services and Dutch organisations to support Oman's sustainable development goals, including the achievement of a sustainable economy and net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
By leveraging the expertise and innovative solutions offered by the Dutch water sector, Oman aims to enhance its water sector's resilience, efficiency, and sustainability. The successful partnerships formed during Oman Water Week set a solid foundation for further cooperation and knowledge exchange between the Omani and Dutch water sectors.
In addition to the collaborations with Dutch organizations, Nama Water Services also sealed significant agreements with Veolia during Oman Water Week. Veolia Oman proudly announced the signing of two contracts with Nama Water Services.
The first contract encompasses the operation and maintenance of sewage treatment plants and sewage systems in Musandam, North Al Batinah, Al Dhahira, and Al Buraimi Governorate (Zone 1) for two years. The second contract involves the operation and maintenance of sewage treatment plants and sewage systems in South Al Batinah and Al Dakhiliya Governorates (Zone 2) also for two years.
These agreements highlight the commitment of Veolia, a leading provider of environmental solutions, to deliver exceptional results and provide high-quality services to its clients. The partnership with Nama Water Services reinforces their dedication to working together on these crucial projects in the coming years. The collaboration with Veolia further adds to the comprehensive efforts of Nama Water Services in enhancing the overall water sector in Oman and aligning with the country's sustainable development goals.
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