Oman's newly integrated water, wastewater unit launches operations
MUSCAT, June 2, 2021
Oman has announced the formal launch of operations of its newly restructured and integrated water and wastewater services unit. The restructuring exercise had resulted in the creation of two new entities under Nama Group, the holding company of state-owned power and water utilities and service providers, said a report.
The new entities are Oman Water and Wastewater Services Company (OWWSC) and Dhofar Integrated Services Company (DISC), reported Oman Observer, citing the Nama Group, a part of Oman Investment Authority (OIA), the integrated sovereign wealth fund of the sultanate.
OWWSC has been formed out of the merger of Diam, hitherto the sole distributor of potable water services across Oman (with the exception of Dhofar Governorate), and Haya Water, the sole entity responsible for wastewater management in Oman (with the exception of Dhofar Governorate).
The second new entity DISC is now in charge of potable water distribution and wastewater management in Dhofar Governorate. It has been created out of the merger of three existing entities: Dhofar Power Company, Directorate General of Water – Dhofar, and Salalah Sanitary & Drainage Services.
Regulation of the integrated sector is now the responsibility of the Authority for Public Services Regulation (APSR), while the policymaker is the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, stated the report.
OWWSC affirmed its commitment to building on the achievements of the predecessor entities — Diam and Haya Water — in delivering high quality services to the general population.
Qais al Zakwani, OWWSC’s newly appointed CEO, said: "Following an ambitious strategy and clear goals, we will endeavour to achieve 98 per cent water network coverage by 2040 in order to provide safe drinking water to all governorates (except Dhofar), and expand our sanitation services to include the rest of the governorates."
"We will also seek out the most adaptable and creative digital technologies for reliable and sustainable services that meet the needs of our valued subscribers," he added.
