Barka 1 IWPP sets 16-year record in operational safety

BUSINESS REPORTER -

MUSCAT, MAY 14 -

Barka 1, one among first independent water and power projects (IWPP) in the Sultanate owned by ACWA Power Barka, has achieved a major milestone in the company’s operational safety history by maintaining an impeccable record of zero Lost Time Accident in the past 16 long years. The IWPP is operated by NOMAC Oman. To mark the milestone, ACWA Power Barka and NOMAC Oman have organised a special event at the premises of the plant on May 13.

The event was attended by Eng Salim al Sibani, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ACWA Power Barka; Dr Mohammed al Washahi, Barka Plant General Manager at NOMAC Oman; Fahad al Kindi, HSE Country Manager, NOMAC Oman; and other senior members of the management as well as staff from all NOMAC Oman business.

The plant, which started commercial operation in June 2003, was established as a result of the privatisation programme of the Sultanate. Set up as the nation’s first dual purpose power generation and desalination plant, which is 100 per cent owned by international and local investors, the project now accounts for 6 per cent of power generation and 27 per cent of desalinated water in Oman.

Eng Al Sibani said; “I am very excited and honoured to be part of today’s event to celebrate 16 years without Lost Time Accident at APB, which also coincided with OHSE World Day.”

“This impressive milestone is a clear demonstration that APB and NOMAC have jointly taken HSE as part of their business culture at APB plant. ACWA Power is fully committed to the safety of its staff, contractors, and everyone involved in carrying out our business activities,” he added.

“The leadership and management of ACWA Power and NOMAC are continuously pursuing ways to enhance knowledge sharing as evident in today’s event where a number of key business partners were invited to present their expertise to all staff. Our HSE journey is embedded in everything we do and will continue to be more vigilance and proactive to new business challenges without compromise to safety and protecting the environment.”

Dr Mohammed al Washahi, Barka Plant General Manager at NOMAC Oman said; “We are extremely pleased on reaching this milestone as the plant is of national significance, being Oman’s first dual purpose power generation and desalination plant. Running it safely and smoothly is something all of us here take great pride in. This milestone is a reflection of each and every employee’s commitment to safety. All our people are truly empowered to take action on safety situations at the plant, and our processes such as the Toolbox Talk ensures that every task is analysed how trivial it may be.”