Bids are due by 15 September for the financial advisory contract, with OWSC intending also to appoint legal and technical advisers. The team will be responsible for advising on the set up of a joint venture between OWSC and an international operator to carry out O&M work across the network, which is being completed in phases, beginning with the Bawshar and Darsait districts. Applications for prequalification are due by 4 October to provide design services on future phases, aimed particularly at the Seeb system, which will be the next to be implemented.

Two construction contracts on the scheme are also moving forward. Technical evaluation of bids has been completed for the Bawshar wastewater collection network and treated effluent redistribution system, and the opening of commercial bids is expected imminently. Six companies submitted bids in June (MEED 18:6:04). Bids are due on 13 September to construct the Ansab sewage treatment plant.

The Muscat wastewater project aims to connect 80 per cent of the capital's residents to a wastewater collection and treatment network by 2013 and 90 per cent by 2017. The network will eventually by privatised and in May, Denton Wilde Saptewas appointed legal adviser on the concession agreement (MEED 28:5:04).