Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (Dewa) has awarded a AED65m ($17.7m) contract to increase the reliability of water networks throughout the emirate.

The project will involve the supply, installation and commissioning of surge protection devices for Dewa’s pumping stations in several areas, including Jebel Ali, Mushrif and Hatta.

The project is part of Dewa’s efforts to boost the efficiency of its water networks and reduce leakages. The work is scheduled to be completed by June 2016.

The utility provider is also pushing ahead with a programme to expand and upgrade the emirate’s electrical distribution network.

In early July, the utility company awarded AED203m worth of contracts to several local companies to provide cables for expanding the emirate’s electrical distribution network.

The local companies will manufacture and supply aluminium and copper cables, which will be used as part of Dewa’s efforts to expand and upgrade the network.