Saudi Arabia’s National Water Company has prequalified bidders for three water and wastewater network management contracts in the kingdom.

It has not yet issued a request for proposals for the public-private partnership scheme, however.

The company originally planned to shortlist the bidders in late August.

About 25 groups applied in early August to prequalify for the three contracts, which cover Greater Dammam including Khobar; Mecca and Taif; and Medina.

Each of the contracts will run between five and seven years, and will cover management, operational and maintenance work.

The UK’s Hyder Consulting is the technical adviser on the project. Simmons & Simmons, also of the UK, is the legal adviser. The local Aldukheil Financial Group is the financial adviser.