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Saudi’s strategic surge in water transmission and storage PPPs

Saudi Arabia is turning to PPP models to finance and deliver vast transmission and storage networks to secure supply amid growing demand.

By SHARAKAT

Weather damage means Oman’s water supply network can be disrupted during the sultanate’s annual torrential rains. This damage was particular severe when Cyclone Gonu hit in 2007.

To prevent residents of Muscat from experiencing water shortages, the Public Authority for Electricity & Water (PAEW) commissioned a project to guarantee the supply of water for at least seven days. The water storage reservoirs are expected to meet forecast demand up to 2035.

PAEW awarded the contract for the construction of six emergency water storage reservoirs in four different locations (Ruwi, Al-Wadi Kabir,

Al-Wattayah and Al-Qurum) to the local Al-Hassan Engineering Company.

Some challenges faced during the scheme’s execution included excavating huge quantities of rock (6 million cubic metres in total); blasting at three sites near residential areas; and gaining access to the excavation locations.

After the facilities at the Al-Qurum site were handed over, residents were able to obtain their required water supply without additional pumping. Moreover, PAEW now maintains seven days’ water stock to cater for any emergency situation.