Muscat, August 22 - Muscat Bay’s fishermen shed initiative, which was introduced in Qantab on November of 2018, continues to reap benefits from the ITC. The sheds were developed to contribute towards the welfare of the local community in Qantab, as part of Muscat Bay’s overall CSR strategy.
The ten sheds were developed to support 40 fishermen in Qantab, subsequently providing to a community of more than 3,000 people through one of the main industries in the village. Muscat Bay supported in building the sheds, which were subsequently distributed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.
Almost a year since the sheds were supplied, the facilities have helped sustain the livelihood of the local fishermen and the community connected to the fresh seas in the Gulf of Oman. Muscat Bay CEO Shaikh Hamood bin Sultan al Hosni said, “The fishermen’s sheds were initiated as a means of creating awareness about ensuring sustainable careers within our local communities, and the importance of providing them with a suitable environment and the necessary facilities to support their jobs. The sheds were built specifically for this purpose, to facilitate the fishermen’s daily tasks, even in harsh weather conditions.”
Sheikh of Qantab, Jumah al Ahsani said, “We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Muscat Bay for the difference the shed has made in the day-to-day activities of our fishermen, as fishing the primary industry here in Qantab. Our community includes over 200 fishermen, who work year-round to support their families and the livelihood of our village. We are thankful for the neighbourly support and community service we receive from Muscat Bay. ”
The fishermen have seen visible results, with the shed’s storage facilities supporting their work.
Masoud bin Suleiman bin Zaher al Ahsani, a member of the local Qantab fishing community, said, “Fishermen previously had to carry large nets that could weigh in excess of 400 kg back and forth between their boats at the shore, and all the way home. The biggest benefit we have gained from the shed is that if there is no catch or if it’s off-season, we can just store our nets and equipment at the shed instead of carrying it everywhere. This even includes the different tools we use for different fishing techniques.”
Al Ahsani continued, “The sheds have created a positive impact, as it has allowed us fishermen to protect our equipment, while still being stored in close proximity to our boats. Better still, we are able to store it in an organised manner.”
Muscat Bay is a fully-fledged tourism complex covering 2.2 million square meters facing the waterfront of the Gulf of Oman, surrounded by the tall mountains capes, and offering a premium level of privacy in its residences. The project is developed in partnership with the Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN) and Saraya Holdings Oman (SAOG).
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