The Public Authority for Water (Diam) plans to establish a string of new water projects that will cater to 17 wilayats in eight governorates.
According to a statement from Diam, a total of 10,797 new facilities in various residential, commercial, industrial, and government properties will benefit from the schemes under the new projects.
There has been significant rise in the number of citizens applying for establishment of new network because of lack of water access in their respective areas. Most of them are still dependent on water tankers costing them more money, Diam said.
After processing the applications and follow-up by the members of Majlis Ashshura and the Municipal Council, Diam approved a number of applications to allow citizens to contribute to the cost of water networks.
However, the problem was that the cost of water network extensions varies widely with some citizens paying thousands of rials while some others have abandoned the idea after their applications have been approved thereby making the rest to pay more fees. Those who withdrew the applications have reapplied for water connection for which they have decided not to contribute.
Diam said that a number of walis and members of Majlis Ashshura and the Municipal Council and citizens have stressed on the importance of applying the principle of fair contribution in water projects during the meeting. Diam is striving to obtain funds for the implementation of water network projects through bank loans in addition to the governments allocations.
