Omani construction firm Towell Infrastructure Projects has won a $214-million contract to build the infrastructure for the new Liwa City project being established by the Omani government in North Al Batinah Governorate, said a report.

The Ministry of Housing is investing around $1.3 billion in the establishment of the landmark project, reported the Oman Observer.

A masterplan approved by authorities envisages the construction of an estimated 2,500 to 3,000 housing units along with the requisite infrastructure of an urban development. When fully completed by early 2018, Liwa City is expected to be home to around 30,000 people, the report stated.

The contract won by Towell is part of the second phase of an ambitious initiative to build an integrated urban development designed to provide alternative housing to residents displaced or impacted by the establishment of Sohar Port and Freezone.

The masterplan also makes provision for all of the services, amenities and facilities expected of an urban residential setting. The consultant for the project is AAW & Partners.

As per the contract, Towell will put in place a full spectrum of utilities, amenities and other support infrastructure necessary to sustain a modern township, said the report.

In all, eight schools are being planned within the city, along with 10 mosques each with a public majlis, health centre, cemetery, green spaces, public parks, retail areas and road network, it added.