Al Wusta Governorate: Accelerated Development & Economic Momentum Boosts Sustainable Growth
Haima, 4 Nov (ONA) — Al Wusta Governorate is witnessing extensive developmental and economic activity through the implementation of a package of projects across its four wilayats. These projects focus on enhancing the quality of life, developing infrastructure, and strengthening economic and tourism components, contributing to community development and elevating service standards.
Sheikh Ahmed Musallam Al Kithiri, Governor of Al Wusta, stated to Oman News Agency (ONA) that over 22 developmental and improvement projects are currently being implemented across various villages and wilayats of the governorate, with a total cost of approximately RO 20 million.
He added that in the Wilayat of Haima, 7 qualitative development projects are being executed at a total cost of about RO 5.732 million. The most prominent among these are the Knowledge Park project and the Exhibitions Square project, valued at RO 796,000, aimed at improving the urban landscape and encouraging domestic tourism. Additionally, a camel racing track is being developed at a cost of RO 248,000 to promote cultural heritage and activate heritage events, along with a residential planning development project in Haima costing over RO 1.8 million.
He pointed out that a project to pave 30 kilometers of internal roads in the Wilayat of Haima is underway, alongside the installation of 250 lighting poles, with a total value of RO 2 million. An integrated agricultural nursery is also being established at a cost of RO 181,000. Furthermore, new public parks will be established in various locations at a cost of RO 214,000.
As for the Wilayat of Mahout, the Governor explained that 6 development projects are underway at a total cost of approximately RO 5.873 million. These include the Central Market project, costing RO 450,000, to provide a suitable commercial environment for economic activity in the wilayat. Other projects include developing the wilayat center's facade (RO 1.5 million), a platform and camel racing track (RO 138,000), along with projects for designing and paving 30 kilometers of internal roads, and developing the commercial plan, with a total cost of RO 2 million.
He pointed out that 350 lighting poles are being installed across various villages of the wilayat at a total cost of RO 400,000. Additionally, projects to establish parks and beach shelters in the villages of Wadi Al-Seil, Al-Khulouf, Sarab, and Al-Ghadn are being implemented, with a total cost exceeding RO 1.385 million.
In the Wilayat of Duqm, he said that 6 developmental and improvement projects are being carried out at a total cost of RO 5.107 million. These include the second phase of developing the Ras Madrakah waterfront to enhance the appearance of the wilayat's village facades, costing RO 265,000. Projects to develop the facades of Dahar and Ras Madrakah villages cost a total of RO 1 million. Other projects involve establishing a park in Dahar village, beach shelters in Hitam and Ras Madrakah villages, and the first phase of developing Wadi Tharf at a cost exceeding RO 744,000 to promote eco-tourism.
The Governor indicated that, as part of developing the infrastructure of Duqm, a 17-kilometer road from Hitam to Al-Bar is being designed and paved, alongside 30 kilometers of internal roads for the wilayat, which includes the installation of 250 lighting poles at a total cost of approximately RO 3 million. A football field is also being constructed in Hitam village at a cost of RO 98,000 Omani Rials.
He stated that the Wilayat of Al Jazer is witnessing the implementation of several developmental and improvement projects at a total cost of RO 2.837 million. These include the second phase of developing Ras Sawqarah Beach at a cost of RO 188,000, developing the facade of Al-Lakbi Beach at a cost of RO 430,000, alongside designing and implementing 24 kilometers of internal roads in the wilayat, as well az 2.5 kilometers of roads for the commercial plan. This includes installing 322 lighting poles in the wilayat center, Al-Lakbi, and several villages affiliated to Al-Jazer, at a total cost of RO 2 million.
The governor added that several projects in the cultural and sports sectors are being implemented, including a platform for camel races costing RO 115,000 and a football field in the wilayat center costing RO 104,000.
He pointed out that the governorate continues to implement a number of economic and social initiatives in coordination with the Ministry of Economy and relevant authorities, as part of supporting the local economy and attracting local and foreign investment. He clarified that among the qualitative projects underway are shrimp farming projects with total investments reaching RO 462 million, alongside the allocation of a site for a sea cucumber farming project with an estimated cost of approximately RO 2.31 million Omani Rials.
He added that the governorate is working on designating the Haima Natural Reserve in cooperation with the Environment Authority, in addition to supporting renewable energy projects. Al Wusta Governorate is considered a promising environment for investment in green hydrogen projects, solar and wind energy, as well as initiatives to develop cold chains in the fisheries sector in Duqm, which contributes to enhancing the added value of this vital sector.
The Governor stressed the governorate's keenness to empower youth and women by building sports fields, organizing qualitative programs, supporting women's associations and charitable teams, following up on social files, implementing the sustainable family care initiative, and holding direct meetings with youth and the local community to understand their needs and enhance their participation in development.
— Ends/AH
