Dhofar Enhances Sustainability of Natural Water Resources

Water Spring Rehabilitation Projects Continue Across Dhofar Governorate

Salalah:  The Directorate General of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources in Dhofar Governorate has completed maintenance and rehabilitation works on the Kiley, Don and Azghot water springs located in remote mountainous and valley areas under challenging field conditions.

The efforts form part of ongoing plans to preserve natural water sources, enhance their sustainability and support local communities and pastoral activities.

The Kiley spring, located north of the A’downib area in the Wilayat of Salalah, is situated around seven kilometres away on foot, while the Don spring north of Ain Kor waterfall site requires a four-kilometre trek through valleys and mountain terrain.

The Azghot spring in the Wilayat of Rakhyut lies approximately ten kilometres away through rugged mountain routes, making rehabilitation operations particularly demanding.

Eng. Ali bin Bakheet Beit Said, Director of the Water Resources Department, said that the Kiley spring is considered one of the remote freshwater sources and serves an important pastoral area by providing water for travellers, livestock and wildlife.

He explained that rehabilitation works at the spring included site cleaning, removal of sediment and debris, construction of a permanent concrete water collection basin and installation of two livestock watering troughs, one located 300 metres from the spring and another two kilometres away, in addition to extending water pipelines.

The measures aim to improve water distribution and facilitate access to less rugged areas for livestock use.

Beit Said added that rehabilitation work at the Don spring included the construction of a water collection basin, two animal watering troughs, pipeline extensions and installation of a water pump to ensure sustainable water flow and easier access.

In the Wilayat of Rakhyut, rehabilitation work at the Azghot spring included cleaning operations, removal of trees and rocks while preserving the natural environment, construction of a retaining wall measuring 15 metres in length and one metre in width and establishment of a livestock watering trough located 250 metres from the spring.

The Director of the Water Resources Department stated that the ministry has rehabilitated 17 water springs across several wilayats in Dhofar Governorate since 2025 as part of efforts to improve the efficiency and sustainability of natural water resources.

He noted that recent years have witnessed increased community participation in preserving water springs and raising awareness about protecting natural water resources.

Beit Said added that current rehabilitation plans include springs affected by the low-pressure weather system “Al Masarrat” in March 2026, including the Shidham spring in Rakhyut, the Thafnat spring in Taqah and the Agharnut spring in the Alsan area of Salalah.

He affirmed that the efforts aim to restore natural water sources, improve their sustainability and preserve the governorate’s environmental and water resources.