17-04-2025
WHO lauds Oman's accent on water safety
MUSCAT — The Sultanate of Oman has garnered international praise for its proactive and structured approach to water safety, with the World Health Organization (WHO) recognising the country as a regional model in managing this critical sector.
Speaking at the conclusion of the five-day 'Water Safety Forum,' the WHO lauded the Authority for Public Services Regulation (APSR) for its pioneering efforts in enhancing water quality standards, fostering continuous training, and building a highly qualified national workforce aligned with global benchmarks.
The forum, organised by the Authority in collaboration with the WHO, brought together more than 40 licensed water sector entities. Held under the theme of strengthening operational efficiency and public health, the gathering featured a comprehensive training programme aimed at empowering Omani professionals to address evolving challenges in water management.
Experts from the WHO underscored the significance of Oman's legislative and technical integration as a key pillar for long-term water safety and quality assurance, particularly in alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to public health and environmental sustainability.
Participants hailed the forum as a transformative platform that enhanced their technical expertise and broadened their knowledge of international best practices. They noted that the engaging workshops and interactive sessions enriched their ability to craft holistic risk management plans and tackle operational challenges across the water sector.
The training curriculum explored a wide spectrum of strategic areas, including the development and execution of Water Safety Plans, the formation of multidisciplinary teams, risk assessment methodologies, and the improvement of water supply systems. Emphasis was also placed on classifying monitoring units, verifying the effectiveness of crisis response plans, and institutionalising continuous review and updates in line with sector developments.
As part of the programme's hands-on component, a field visit was conducted to Nama Water Services' facility in Al Khoudh, Seeb, where participants observed water storage and distribution operations, gaining valuable insight into real-world applications of safety protocols.
