Dubai Municipality is preparing to tender the main packages for its planned deep-tunnel stormwater network project in the Jebel Ali area of the emirate.

The stormwater system, which will cost more than AED2bn ($544m) to build, will collect rain and surface water in deep tunnels and then discharge it into the sea.

MEED reported in January that contractors had been invited to prequalify for the three main packages by 28 February. According to sources close to the scheme, the municipality has finalised the prequalification lists and is expected to issue tender documents for the initial packages by the end of October.

The three packages are:

• Pumping station
• Main tunnel, which will have a total length of 12 kilometres and a diameter of 10 metres
• Lateral tunnel, which will have a total length of 11.15km and a diameter of 9 metres

The prequalified groups for the above packages are understood to include:

The stormwater tunnel network has been identified as a key project to prevent any future flooding of Al-Maktoum International airport and the surrounding area, which will include the Expo 2020 site.

The stormwater network is one of three major deep-tunnel projects Dubai Municipality is planning to undertake.

The project owner is preparing to develop two major deep-tunnel sewer networks in the Deira and Bur Dubai areas of the emirate, which will be similar to the under-construction strategic tunnel enhancement programme (STEP) project in neighbouring Abu Dhabi.

In May, Dubai Municipality awarded US-based Parsons the consultancy contract for the AED12.5bn Dubai deep sewer tunnels project.

The consultant will provide several consultancy services for the duration of the project, including feasibility studies, preliminary design, tender preparation and support. Following the appointment of contractors, Parsons will provide programme management of the detailed design and construction phases and supervision of the construction of the primary tunnels.