Dam a blessing for drought-hit Maqinat farmers

The dam built in the Maqinat area in the Governorate of Al Dhahirah has solved three major problems of the residents: drought, water scarcity in summer and death of farmland.

The director of the municipality, Ibrahim bin Mohammed al Sayyabi described the dam — built by the Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources — as “one of the most successful projects in the governorate which has contributed to solving the problem of drought significantly”.

According to him, the 2.2-kmlong dam can store two million cubic metres of water. It is also expected to contribute to the conservation of agriculture by replenishing groundwater reserves.

Salim bin Said al Shahoumi, one of the residents of the town, said, “Before the dam was built, we suffered from drought, water scarcity during summer and death of farmland Its construction benefited a lot as ‘water wells’ in farms improved, while the aflaj levels increased.” Reeling under a severe financial crisis, many farmers had sold their cattle. “We thank the ministry for its support for citizens and farmers.” The Directorate-general of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources in the Wilayat of Ibri had conducted a study in 2016 on the problems faced by citizens affected by water shortage.

The ministry began the process of implementing the project on January 6, 2017. It involved studying the areas affected by drought and deciding the appropriate place for building the dam.

THE 2.2-KM-LONG DAM CAN STORE TWO MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER. IT IS ALSO EXPECTED TO HELP AGRICULTURE BY REPLENISHING GROUNDWATER RESERVES