Oman Signs 40 Agreements Worth RO 621,000 to Restore Aflaj in Al Dhahirah

Oman Allocates RO 621,000 to Rehabilitate Aflaj and Drill Wells in Al Dhahirah

Ibri: The Ministry of Agricultural Wealth, Fisheries and Water Resources today signed 40 agreements worth RO 621,363 to rehabilitate and maintain aflaj irrigation systems and drill auxiliary wells across various wilayats of Al Dhahirah Governorate.

The agreements, signed under the patronage of Taher bin Mabkhout Al Junaibi, Governor of Al Dhahirah, form part of ongoing efforts to develop the water sector, restore the efficiency of traditional irrigation systems and ensure sustainable water supplies for agricultural lands.

Of the total, 35 agreements valued at RO 513,555 cover the maintenance and rehabilitation of damaged aflaj, while five agreements worth RO 107,808 cover the drilling of auxiliary wells and related works for affected aflaj.

The agreements were signed on behalf of the Ministry by Eng. Amer bin Saif Al Barhi, Director General of Agricultural Wealth and Water Resources in Al Dhahirah Governorate, with representatives of the companies and institutions implementing the projects.

The projects aim to address damage caused by the Al Masarrat depression, which affected the Sultanate of Oman last March and resulted in damage to channels, waterways, water sources and supporting wells serving a number of aflaj across the governorate.

Eng. Amer bin Saif Al Barhi said the Ministry attaches considerable importance to the aflaj sector as an important component of Omani cultural heritage and a key pillar of food and economic security.

He explained that the rehabilitation works include repairing falaj arms and channels and removing accumulated silt and debris. The projects also include drilling auxiliary wells that provide an important additional source of water, helping maintain water flow and meet the needs of farmers.