UAE-based Metito, a top provider of total intelligent water management and solutions in the emerging markets, said it has won a $9 million sewage treatment plant project from Iraqi government.

As per the contract, Metito will partner with Iraqi group Balad Al Khebra to upgrade the main Freeha Sewage Treatment Plant in Karbala, located 100 km south-west of Baghdad.

Upon completion in the fourth quarter of 2012, the development works will see the plant capacity increased to accommodate 60,000 cubic metre of effluent per day, said a senior official.

“Iraq is striving to improve infrastructure across the whole country which will create interesting opportunities for the water sector,” remarked Mustafa Hasan, the general manager of Metito Jordan, Iraq and Syria.

'In fact, Iraq is continuing to move forward with its strategic plans to invest in infrastructure which was clearly reflected in its commitment to pump in $5.3 billion in new projects over the next two years,' he added.

Commenting on the project, Mohammed Al Ezzi, the general manager of Balad Al Khebra, said the plant was built in the seventies in the suburbs while it is now considered to be the epicenter of Karbala.

'The city is witnessing a population growth and an increasing number of visitors which urges the need of such investment into the water infrastructure. Our work will ensure an improved quality of the treated effluent while eliminating odour problems in the surrounding area among other implications,' he added.

'Metito’s operations in Iraq spans over 30 years and cover a wide range of large scale projects but this is the first time we are working with Balad Al Khebra,' said Hasan.

This collaboration, he said, will make the best use of the wealth of experience both partners own and will build on the operational knowhow which Metito has refined over 50 years of industry expertise.

“The Iraqi government is committed to improving the lives of the people through key infrastructure projects and as leaders in the Water and Waste Water industry, Metito has expertise, knowledge and technical knowhow to deliver the most practical and intelligent water management solutions for such projects,” he added.-TradeArabia News Service