MUSCAT: Nama Water Services has signed an agreement with the private sector to establish a water purification plant at Wadi Dayqah Dam in the Wilayat of Qurayat. The project, valued at over RO 55 million, will be implemented under a 20-year build, own and operate (BOO) model in coordination with relevant government agencies.
The plant is expected to be completed within 22 months and will have a total production capacity of 65,000 cubic metres per day. Of this, 35,000 cubic metres per day will be supplied as drinking water through Nama Water Services' network, while 30,000 cubic metres per day will be allocated for agricultural use via an irrigation network, in coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources.
The facility will also be integrated into the broader water infrastructure network, ensuring emergency backup and enhancing the reliability of Oman's main water transmission system.
The agreement was signed by Qais bin Saud al Zakwani, CEO of Nama Water Services and Sultan bin Abdullah al Jaafari, Chairman of Al Tayer Engineering Services, which will implement the project.
KEY BENEFITS AND STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE
Eng Ali bin Mohammed al Abri, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources for Water Resources, highlighted that this project is part of the broader Wadi Dayqah Dam initiative to fully utilise stored water. He noted that the project would help restore water supply to previously affected farms while creating employment opportunities for Omanis. Additionally, studies are underway to explore the potential use of dam water for energy production.
Nama Water Services CEO Qais bin Saud al Zakwani emphasised that the project aligns with the company’s water security goals, ensuring a stable supply amid rising demand driven by urban expansion. He added that the initiative would provide more than 100 indirect jobs during construction and operation, with at least 50% Omanisation for direct roles, prioritising residents of Qurayat. Furthermore, Nama has committed RO 100,000 to community development in the Wilayat of Qurayat.
ENHANCED RESILIENCE AGAINST CLIMATE CHALLENGES
Eng Abdullah bin Mohammed al Nuaimi, Chief Operations and Maintenance Officer at Nama Water Services, stressed that the purification plant will diversify Muscat’s water supply sources, reducing reliance on desalination plants. This is particularly crucial during extreme weather events such as cyclones and red or green tides, which can disrupt seawater desalination.
He also noted that the lower salinity of dam water compared to seawater will lead to significant energy savings and lower operational costs. The project will include a 7-kilometre transmission line, a pumping station and a 20,000 cubic metre storage tank, connecting to Muscat’s main water network.
The agreement signing was attended by Dr Saud bin Hamoud al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, along with senior officials from both the government and private sectors.
This strategic project marks a significant step towards enhancing Oman’s water security by leveraging surface water resources and integrating sustainable purification technologies. — ONA
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