Oman launches OR68 million road AND water projects

The projects were ordered by Sultan Qaboos after a state tour last year.

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By Carlin Gerbich and Ben Roberts

The Oman government yesterday launched projects worth a total value of OR68 million for the road and water sectors.

Sheikh Abdullah bin Salim bin A’amir Al Rowas, minister of regional municipalities and water resources, along with representatives from respective companies signed 52 agreements for construction work on a total of 843 kilometres of roads and public parking, and lighting poles, as well as water sites and water wells.

The projects will be based in Al Buraimi, Musandam and Dhofar, along with a number of wilayats in the south and north Batinah, Al Dakhiliyah and in Al Dahirah and aim to improve efficiency and add to the beauty of the surrounding area, according to Times of Oman.

The water projects reflect a drive to protect the country’s water sources, and will increase storage capacity, improve underground operations and provide greater clarity as to water supplies in the country.

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The agreements come in response to the royal orders of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos during the annual tour to the wilayats last year.

The agreements also included projects aimed at promoting service facilities and improving cities and commercial areas. The announcement is part of the ministry’s efforts to intensify development projects to improve the country’s visual appeal.

The minister of regional municipalities and water resources was unable to comment further.

An analyst at Securities & Investments Co. in Bahrain pointed out that these agreements would be of potential interest to contractors such as Muscat-based Galfar Engineering, but that the projects would be individually small in contract value and would have to work on many to make a significant profit.

He added: "These projects won't necessarily benefit the local players because there is so much competition in the country from INdian and UK companies. These companies are often big and can offer a lower price, and may make a loss at the beginning when they establish themselves in the country."