Potable water losses fall by 12pc in 2017

listed the 12 per cent improvement in water loss reductions as among the key performance indicators achieved by Diam last year.

Government subsidy to the water sector also declined 12 per cent in 2017 despite a 21 per cent surge in total water supply during the year, according to the official. This compares with a total subsidy of RO 185.724 million in 2016, which was higher than the previous year’s grant of RO 180.665 million. The subsidy per cubic metre of water amounted to 900 baiza in 2016.

Significantly, gross revenue soared 19 per cent in 2017 over the previous year’s figure of RO 102.6 million. This uptick was achieved despite a hefty 52 per cent increase in capital expenditure in 2017, said Al Mahrouqi.

Total water production in 2017 climbed 5 per cent to 347 million m3, up from 329 million m3 a year earlier. The utility also saw its subscriber base burgeon to 483,000 subscribers, up from 435,000 in 2016.

To meet potable water demand growth, Diam is implementing a number of “strategic” water transmission projects, the Chairman said. Most notable is a transmission link from Suhar – a major desalination hub – to the wilayats of Al Dhahirah Governorate. Also under various stages of implementation are water transmission projects in North and South Al Sharqiyah governorates, an initiative to enhance transmission capacity to Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, and a transmission line from the new desalination plant in Qurayat to the Wilayat of Al Amerat.