Saudi National Water Company launches new water projects worth $29bn
This is the largest ever package of projects in the water distribution sector and is part of Saudi Arabia’s continued plans and programs for developing water and environmental infrastructure
The National Water Company (NWC) in Saudi Arabia has announced plans to roll out 1,429 projects for tender with a total value exceeding $28.7bn (SR108bn), as part of its strategy to support the kingdom’s five-year plan to develop the sector’s infrastructure.
According to NWC, this is the largest package of projects in the water distribution sector ever. It added that the move is part of its continued plans and programs for developing water and environmental infrastructure.
This includes expanding the coverage of water and wastewater networks and increasing sewage treatment plant’s capacity, in addition to extending water services coverage to all citizens and residents across the kingdom’s regions, it added. “The projects will contribute to the realisation of the National Water Strategy and Vision 2030’s objectives, diversify the economy and boost overall development,” NWC Acting CEO Nemer M. Al-Shebl said in a statement.
He noted that these projects will greatly complement the sustainability of water and environmental services. “The water and wastewater coverage will be immensely increased in all Saudi regions following the completion of these projects,” added Al-Shebl.
The projects include 13 administrative regions comprising cities and governorates in all six sectors.
The company specified 353 projects worth $10.4bn (SR38.96bn) for the western sector, Makkah; 240 projects worth $3.7bn (SR14.19bn) for the central region, Riyadh; and 215 projects worth $3.4bn (SR12.95bn) for the northern sector comprising Qassim, Hail, Jauf and the northern borders.
The company will also launch 328 projects worth more than $4bn (SR15.3bn) for the southern sector including Asir, Jazan, Najran and AlBaha provinces; and 162 projects costing over $2bn (SR7.7bn) for the north-west sector comprising Madinah and Tabuk regions.
NWC also plans to implement 117 projects worth $4.3bn (SR16.17bn) for the eastern sector, Eastern Province; and 14 projects worth more than $720mn (SR2.72 bn) to support all sectors.
This comes as Saline Water Conversion Corp. on announced last month 21 schemes worth $3.46bn (SR13bn), representing the first package within a five-year capital portfolio for the environment, water and agriculture system.
The developments are a response to increasing demand driven by population growth in some regions, and contribute to achieving water security and sustainability.