The MEW has invited prices from prequalified contractors for two options - ductile iron and seamed cast iron. Nine companies are prequalified to bid for the ductile iron pipeline (MEED 17:5:02). For the seamed cast iron pipeline option, 10 groups of international and local companies have been prequalified. Bids are due to be returned by 27 August for both options.

The 30-month water storage and distribution project is being tendered in at least four packages.

Bids were submitted by 23 June by nine group of contractors for the C-4 package, which calls for the installation and maintenance of a 59-kilometre, 1.2 metre-diameter ductile iron pipeline running from Mutla to west Funaitees (MEED 24:4:02).

The consultant for the estimated KD 145 million ($467 million) scheme is Binnie & Partners (Overseas), part of the UK's Black & Veatch.

Water will be supplied into the network from the proposed Subiya distillation plant, for which bids are under evaluation at the MEW (see page 13).