As part of the Al Seeb wastewater project, Oman Wastewater Services Company SAOC (OWSC)Oman Wastewater Services Company SAOC (OWSC) has commenced excavation work for building the sewage collection network in Ma'abela.

Omar Al Wahaibi, CEO OWSC, Engineer Hamed Al Jabri, general manager-Project Department, and Engineer Kholoud Aqrabawi, the Al Maabela project manager, were present at the site to signal the start of the project work. Also present on the occasion were the chief executives of the joint venture executing the Maabela project Arab Contractors and National Construction & Trading Company.

The construction of the Maabela gravity drainage and treated effluent networks, estimated to cost RO58 million, has been awarded to Arab Contractors. This project covers all the areas of Maabela and consists of constructing 170 kilometres of gravity sewer lines. This, in turn, will service 8,000 house connections that will connect to the new wastewater network. The estimated schedule for completion of the project will be in October 2011. The CEO explained that the gravity sewerage system is based on laying a network of pipes that are sufficiently inclined to allow wastewater to flow through the system in the required direction using the natural force of gravity.

Speaking at the excavation site Wahaibi said that the ultimate success of the project would depend to a large extent on the cooperation received from residents in the area.

"The resident's appreciation of the long term benefits and their cooperation with the temporary inconveniences will go a long way in the progress and completion of the project.

"The long term benefits of the project in terms of public health and environmental returns, far outweigh the minor inconveniences during the period of construction," he explained.

In an appeal to the residents of Maabela, Wahaibi urged them to cooperate with the contractors to complete the project on schedule.

The Maabela project involves the digging of deep trenches at the construction site to lay the network. OWSCOWSC is adopting a series of proactive measures to inform Maabela residents of the hazards to be avoided and safety precautions that need to be observed during the excavation.

Informative signboards have been put up at relevant locations and every household will receive a specially prepared leaflet about the safety measures that need to be kept in mind.

The company has set up a call centre with a toll free number (Call: 800777111) for the convenience of customers. Residents of the area can call the number both for project information and to inform the company about any issues that are cause for concern. The OWSCOWSC web site www.owsc.com.om complements the call centre for the same purpose.

OWSCOWSC is a government-owned organisation currently engaged in the Muscat Wastewater Project.

This project is one of the biggest in the country and consists of building and operating a wastewater network that would transfer wastewater from individual premises to sewage treatment plants in the most hygienic and environmentally friendly manner.

The project aims to reduce pollution, protect groundwater sources, contribute to the overall health of the population and provide long term social and economic benefits.