Work is set to start on the second phase of the Dh1.3-billion ($354 million) sewage treatment plant at Jebel Ali in Dubai, UAE, said a report.

The announcement comes following the project approval by Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Minister of Finance and chairman of Dubai Municipality.

On completion, the plant will have a capacity of about 675,000 cu m per day instead of the current 300,000 cu m, reported the state news agency Wam, citing a senior official.

"The Jebel Ali plant is equipped with the advanced tools in the field of sewage treatment and can cope with expected future expansion of Dubai city to serve a large segment of the population, and contribute towards servicing 1.35 million people," explained Hussain Nasser Lootah, the director general of Dubai Municipality.

The plant will not need further expansion until 2025, stated Lootah.

The final cost of the Jebel Ali sewerage project is likely to hit Dh2.85 billion ($775 million), he added.