Latest news with #AlZakwani
Trade Arabia
16-04-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Nama awards Oman water purification plant contract
Oman-based Nama Water Services has signed an agreement with Al Tayer Engineering Services Company for the construction of a water purification plant at Wadi Dayqah Dam along with other associated infrastructure work. Located in the sultanate's Qurayyat region, the new plant will be developed under a 20-year public-private partnership (PPP) contract. The entire work will be completed within two years. According to Nama, this project aligns with the government's strategic focus on bolstering water security and ensuring a consistent supply of potable water for subscribers. This initiative is designed to guarantee reliable water provision, particularly during periods of unexpected weather conditions and unforeseen emergencies. A RO55 million ($142 million) facility, the Nama Water project is being implemented under a build, own, operate model. The agreement was signed by Qais Saud Al Zakwani, CEO of Nama Water Services, and Sultan Abdullah Al Jafari, Chairman of Al Tayer Engineering Services Company in the presence of Dr Saud Hamoud Al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources. Speaking on the occasion, Al Zakwani said: "Nama Water Services is committed to achieving water security goals, addressing the escalating demand for this critical resource driven by subscriber growth and urban development." "To meet these demands, the company is actively pursuing a portfolio of projects. This includes the construction of the water purification plant at Wadi Dayqah Dam in the Wilayat of Qurayyat," he stated. This project reflects Nama Water's strategic push to leverage diverse water resources. This initiative aims to optimize the dam's water output to address the regions' demand effectively, noted Al Zakwani. "The project adheres to a meticulously planned approach, balancing current necessities with projected future requirements, ultimately contributing to the water security goals outlined in Oman Vision 2040," he added. The Omani group said the key facility will boast a total production capacity of 65,000 cu m per day, with 35,000 cu m per day channeled into Nama Water Services' main distribution network, supplying potable water.
Observer
27-02-2025
- Business
- Observer
Nama Water drives local growth and workforce development
MUSCAT, FEB 26 Beyond its ambitious RO 700 million infrastructure investment, Nama Water Services (NWS) is positioning itself as a driver of economic growth, local workforce development, and sustainability in Oman's water sector. Qais bin Saud al Zakwani, CEO of Nama Water Services, highlighted the company's commitment to in-country value (ICV), Omanisation, and operational efficiency in an exclusive interview with Observer. "These projects are not just about expanding our water and wastewater networks; they are about building a sustainable ecosystem that benefits Oman's economy," Al Zakwani stated. "Through ICV initiatives, we ensure that local contractors, suppliers, and workforce development remain at the heart of our investments." STRENGTHENING IN-COUNTRY VALUE Nama Water Services' projects contribute RO 193 million to ICV, a critical component of Oman's economic strategy. Al Zakwani explained that the company's approach is designed to maximise benefits for local businesses. "When we execute these projects, we don't just want to complete them—we want to create lasting economic value. By prioritizing local contractors and materials, we ensure that the investments translate into sustainable growth for Omani businesses," he said. Beyond contracts, the company's focus on ICV extends to job creation and skills development. Nama Water Services has introduced long-term contracts with service providers, fostering employment opportunities and skill enhancement in the sector. ACCELERATING OMANISATION A key highlight of Nama's strategy is its workforce localization efforts. The company aims to increase the Omanisation rate in contractor firms from 55% to 84% by 2025. This is being achieved through the creation of nearly 900 jobs in the water and wastewater sectors. "We announced 450 jobs last year, and this year we are adding another 410 positions. With this, we will have created around 880 jobs in the sector," Al Zakwani shared. "These are not just numbers—we are providing opportunities for Omanis to build long-term careers in this critical sector." The recruitment process has already begun, with new employees undergoing assessments and training to equip them with the necessary technical expertise. ENHANCING OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY AND WATER SECURITY Alongside infrastructure expansion, Nama Water Services is prioritizing operational improvements. With water quality compliance reaching 99%, the company has implemented an advanced management system to maintain consistency across its networks. "The water that leaves Barka is the same water that reaches Jabal Akhdar. Ensuring this consistency is a major challenge, but we have an integrated system in place to maintain quality throughout the distribution process," Al Zakwani explained. The company is also leveraging treated wastewater for agriculture and industrial applications, reducing reliance on freshwater sources and supporting Oman's sustainability goals. ADDRESSING EXPANSION CHALLENGES Despite these advancements, Nama Water Services faces logistical and operational challenges in expanding network coverage beyond 72%. The scale of the investment program, availability of skilled contractors, and public safety concerns are among the primary hurdles. "With such a massive CAPEX programme, ensuring we have the right contractors and workforce in place is crucial. We are also mindful of the safety risks associated with heavy excavation work, and we are implementing awareness programs to mitigate these risks," Al Zakwani noted. As Nama Water Services moves forward with its strategic projects, its dual focus on infrastructure expansion and economic development reinforces its role as a key player in Oman's long-term water security and sustainability agenda.
Times of Oman
25-02-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Nama Water Services unveils strategic projects in water sector
Muscat: Nama Water Services Company signed four agreements to implement strategic projects in the water sector. The projects included the design and implementation of water distribution networks in the wilayats of Ibri, Yanqul and Dhank in A'Dhahirah Governorate (Packages 1 and 2), the construction of water networks in the wilayats of Samail and Izki in A'Dakhiliyah Governorate and the construction of wastewater networks in Al Ansab in Muscat Governorate. This was unveiled at a ceremony organised by the company in Muscat on Tuesday under the auspices of Dr. Saud bin Hamoud Al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources. In a speech at the ceremony, Qais bin Saud Al Zakwani, CEO of Nama Water Services Company, said that the company seeks to achieve sustainability and ensure water security in the Sultanate of Oman by implementing a package of current and future strategic projects across different governorates. Al Zakwani added that the company is currently implementing 27 projects to the tune of more than OMR700 million to enhance the water and wastewater system in the governorates and wilayats covered by the company's services—from Musandam to Al Wusta. He said that the projects contribute OMR193 million to the in-country value (ICV). Al Zakwani pointed out that these projects enhance water networks in the Sultanate of Oman to cover more than 72.80 percent at a time the number of beneficiaries of the company's services grew to 937,970. Speaking in detail, he said that the projects include a water transmission project connecting the desalination plant in Sohar to A'Dhahirah Governorate, a water system enhancement project connecting the desalination plants in Barka and Sohar, A'Dakhiliyah Governorate's water transmission enhancement system project and a water transmission system enhancement project between the governorates of South A'Sharqiyah and North A'Sharqiyah. Al Zakwani explained that the Omanization initiative launched by the company through permanent contracts with companies supporting its work helped generate 885 jobs in the water sector. This, he said, contributed to raising the percentage of Omanization in these companies to 84 percent.
