Saudi Arabia's Water & Electricity Company (WEC) has invited expressions of interest for the development of an independent sewage treatment plant (ISTP) located near the city of Taif in the kingdom's Makkah province.

On completion, the new ISTP will boast a total treatment capacity of up to 270,000 cu m per day, said a statement from the Saudi utility firm.

The project is being developed as part of Saudi Vision 2030 which recognises the critical importance of ensuring the future reliable provision of sewage treatment services for the quality of life of the kingdom's residents.

In line with WEC's ambitious programme, a series of new Independent Sewage Treatment Plants (ISTPs) will be commisioned to meet the future sewage treatment requirements of the kingdom.

A strategic project for the Saudi region, the Taif Independent Sewage Treatment Plant will have several leading global industry experts in the advisory role.

Mizuho Bank will act as the lead and financial advisor, while White & Case LLP is the legal advisor and
WS Atkins & Partners Overseas Engineering Consultants are the technical advisors.

WEC will conduct a competitive process to select a developer or developer consortium for the development, financing, engineering, procurement, construction, implementation, ownership, operation, maintenance and transfer of the Project, together with associated infrastructure and facilities.

Under a 25-year sewage treatment agreement with WEC, the project company to be incorporated to develop the project will treat the entire sewage capacity supplied by the utility firm.

WEC’s obligations under the sewage treatment agreement will be supported by a credit support agreement from the Saudi government, said the statement. The deadline to submit the EOIs is January 27, it added.-TradeArabia News Service