Ghubra plant test period from July 2

The chairman insisted that the new Ghubra water desalination plant will begin its test period from July 2.

The Times of Oman reported last week how officials had confirmed that the crisis will last through the Holy Month of Ramadan and Eid due to delays in the plant becoming operational.

He added that once it reaches its maximum capacity on September 14, it will be able to produce 191,000 cubic metres (41.79 million gallons) of water per day.

“Then the old Ghubra desalination plant will be emptied gradually to avoid further damage,” he said.

“That plant has been operational since 1974 and since it has reached its operational lifespan it cannot function,” explained Al Mahrouqi to questions about why the old plant was not working.

Water is currently being distributed from the already estab- lished wells which contribute 84,000 cubic metres of water.

“Still there is a shortage of 43,000 cubic meter per day,” he said. Al Mahrouqi said that they are planning to dig more wells with a capacity of 24,000 cubic metres to reach a total distribution by wells to 107,000 cubic metres. Al Mahrouqi also revealed plans that the PAEW is hoping to achieve by 2040.

“Currently we are covering 58 per cent by the pipe network which is a bit disappointing, but we are planning to reach 98 per cent coverage by 2040,” said Al Mahrouqi.

PAEW will also install eleven new water desalination plants with eight expected to finish by the first quarter of 2019 while the remaining three have undetermined dates of completion.

During the time between 2010 and 2014 the PAEW recorded a 49 per cent growth in water production and 57 per cent growth in subscribers.