Shura concerned over fall in Masarat basin water level

MUSCAT: There is a noticeable decline in the Masarat basin water level, a Shura member announced in an “urgent statement” at a Shura Council meeting.

During Tuesday’s Shura General Session number 14, Sultan Al Ibri made an urgent statement regarding water levels in the Masarat basin water in Ibri, quoted by the Shura Council’s official Twitter account.

“The Masarat basin water project is a gift to the people of Al Dhahirah and Wilayat of Bahla from the country’s leadership, and there is a noticeable decline in the basin water.”

“The current situation of the Masarat project basin requires urgent measures.”

“Al Ibri called for the extension of a water line to the Al Dhahirah Governorate from desalination plants in the neighbouring areas,” one tweet stated.

Al Ibri also claimed that the water is being drained by other authorities.

“Al Ibri indicated that there is a presence of ‘bodies’ draining the Masarat water basin.”

In another tweet, Al Ibri is quoted calling for competent authorities to take precautionary measures, in order to avoid depletion that may occur, and in accordance with the water security policy in place.

In the urgent statement, Al Ibri also said, “It is nationally and internationally forbidden for fresh water to be used in petroleum/oil related purposes.”