A consortium led by UAE-based Metito Group, a leader in total intelligent water management solutions, has begun work on Saudi Arabia's first independent sewage treatment plant project (ISTP) located in the western region of Dammam.

The consortium includes key partners Mowah, one of the largest private water desalination companies in Saudi Arabia, and Orascom Construction, a leading global engineering and construction contractor in the region.

The project is the first ISTP to be awarded by the Saudi Water Partnership Company to investors under a Build- Own- Operate-Transfer (BOOT) model and plays an integral part of the plan set by the Ministry to tender similar projects to the investors in different regions across the Kingdom.

This is in line with the Kingdom’s “Vision 2030” and the wider initiatives approved by the Cabinet of Ministers to further encourage private sector participation in economic development initiatives.

The plant has a designed capacity of 350,000 cu m per day and an initial capacity of 200,000 cu m per day, said the statement from Metito.

The Notice to Proceed (NTP) allowing the contractors to mobilise and start construction on site has been issued following the execution of relevant project and finance documents by the banking group and the consortium developing the project, it added.  

Metito Managing Director Rami Ghandour said: "The Dammam ISTP is a true testament of the kingdom’s progressive and visionary leadership and a great example of their support to further involving private sector in lifeline mega infrastructural projects."

"Together with the support from the Saudi Water Partnership Company and the National Water Company, we will develop a project in world-class quality using the most efficient solutions and advanced technology that will guarantee sustainable optimized operations and service excellence," stated Ghandour.
 
"We will develop a working model for other similar projects in the Kingdom and further afield," he added.

Mowah Chairman and CEO Sami Alrayes dubbed today's work as a key milestone for the Saudi PPP sewage programme. "Contractors are commencing mobilization and conducting site preparation, surveying, clearing, levelling and fencing confirming the commitment of Dammam West Company for Water in speeding the start of construction works in one of the first projects under this program," he stated.

Orascom Construction CEO Osama Bishai said: "We are pleased with the financing milestones achieved on this project, paving the way for the start of construction."

"Our experience, especially in the water sector, will be key to facilitate the successful execution of Dammam West ISTP. We are excited to play an integral role in this program and look forward to continue collaborating with SWPC and National Water Company," he added.-TradeArabia News Service