Water conservation lessons at Sharqiyah University
MUSCAT: Students of A’Sharqiyah University, who wish to help Oman conserve water in the future, could benefit from the new memorandum their university has signed with the Middle East Desalination Research Centre (MEDRC).
Signed by Dr Jauad El Kharraz, head of research at MEDRC, and Dr Abood Al Sawafi, vice-chancellor of A’Sharqiyah University, the new agreement will see researchers and scientists deliver lectures at the university, in addition to providing them with internships and job training for students.
“In a day, we can take maybe four batches of up to 10 to 12 students to see our facility and make them aware of the importance of not just the conservation of water, but research into how to best save water for the future,” said El Kharraz. “The Middle East as a region does face issues with water conservation, so it is good to have young people find solutions to these, as they will be the ones taking the reins in the future.”
This agreement builds on MEDRC’s Tahliya training programme for young Omanis, which was sponsored by many desalination plants and water companies in the Sultanate.
“This programme was successful, because we have trained 60 young Omanis so those people are now in the process of getting recruited by operators,” he added. “The main goal of these programmes is for young people to get jobs. Next year, we will also have the second edition of our Tahliya programme with a bigger budget to train more people.”
“One of the main problems in this region is water shortage and conservation for the long term, so we have to come together to solve this,” said El Kharraz.
With Oman looking to expand its economy with the Tanfeedh initiatives for economic diversification, proper water conservation is an integral part of the future.
“I think there is a big boost towards job creation and economic diversification in Oman, and the water sector is one of the biggest recruiters in this country. We have very big desalination plants in Oman, as well as many other water companies and research organisations in this field, and with Omanisation across these sectors also being a priority, I think this is definitely a step in the right direction.”
Dr. Al Sawafi was also keen to see his university participate in such an initiative.
“Sharqiyah University is happy to be part of this research into water conservation in Oman,” he said. “This represents a great opportunity for our students to learn about the importance of water and train in this field so that they can get jobs to help the country in future, because water conservation is an important area we must work on in Oman.”