Oman’s Public Authority for Electricity & Water (PAEW) has received five bids to provide contract management services covering the country’s water sector.

The seven prequalified bidders had until 29 March to submit bids following an extension from the original 18 January cut-off.

According to the Oman Tender Board, the following companies submitted bids:

• Metito Berlinwasser (UAE/German)/Ranhill Utilities Sendirian (Malaysia)
• Veolia Water (France)
• Suez Environnement (France)
• United Utilities International (UK)
• Severn Trent Services International (UK)

A Singaporean group of Jurong Consultants with Pub Consultants and Boustead Singapore was prequalified to bid and attended a pre-bid conference in January, but subsequently opted not to bid.

Germany’s Gelsenwasser was also prequalified, but did not attend the conference and did not put in a bid.

The winning bidder will improve the efficiency and effectiveness of Oman’s existing water networks.

KPMG is the lead adviser to PAEW on the deal. The UK’s Atkins is technical adviser and France’s Gide Loyrette Nouel with the local Al-Busaidy, Mansoor Jamal & Company are legal advisers.

The advisers have been working on the programme since their appointment a year ago following a competitive process in which five other bidders competed.

PAEW was established in 2007 by a royal decree, which transferred the government’s responsibilities for providing power and water to the new entity. PAEW also took over all of the government’s power and water assets.