Muscat – Jusoor Foundation celebrated the launch of four projects implemented within its social investment programme in North Batinah governorate on Sunday. The projects are worth about RO345,000, funded jointly by OQ and Sohar Aluminium.

The ceremony was held in Al Qurm Natural Park in Shinas, under the auspices of Sayyid Khalifa bin al Mardas al Busaidi, Secretary General for Governorates Affairs in the Ministry of Interior, a press release said.

The event was attended by Sheikh Saif bin Hamiyar al Malik al Shehhi, Governor of North Batinah and chairman of Jusoor board of directors, as well as officials of North Batinah governorate and the companies that funded the projects.

The first project involves the development of the 28,000sqm Al Qurm Natural Park in the wilayat of Shinas with an investment worth RO200,000 funded by Sohar Aluminium and OQ, in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior represented by the Municipality of North Batinah.

The scope of the development includes implementation of a 3km walkway, an arena theatre, a migratory bird viewing platform, 11 family rest areas and barbecue sites, as well as the construction of a crossing bridge over the waterway, children’s games, gardens and a café.

The development works also include the establishment of a park gate, mosque, security booth, toilets and a parking lot.

The second project involves the construction of a park in the mountainous area of Alhayleen in the wilayat of Suwaiq on an area of 2,000sqm, which is surrounded by a 320m walkway. The park is equipped with children’s rides, as well as a café, toilets and family rest areas, with an investment of RO55,000 funded by Sohar Aluminium.

The third project is for providing equipment to clean beaches in the wilayats of North Batinah governorate. The equipment will filter, purify and remove all the waste stuck on beaches. The project was funded with an investment of about RO40,000 by OQ.

The fourth project is for supplying and installing 60 recreational rides for public parks in the wilayat of Sohar with an investment of about RO50,000 by OQ.

Sheikh Shehhi said, “These projects fall within the programme of social projects implemented by Jusoor Foundation within its commitment to social responsibility and OQ, Sohar Aluminium and Vale companies’ contribution to social development in the wilayats of North Batinah governorate, and hence directly meeting the demands and needs of the residents of these wilayats.”

Al Mutasim bin Said al Sariri, member of the board of directors of Jusoor and representative of OQ, said, “These social projects reflect the extent of the real partnership between the government and the private sector and proves the achievement of social responsibility. OQ is constantly working to contribute to sustainable development.”

Ahmed bin Mohammed al Kharousi, member of Jusoor’s board of directors and representative of Sohar Aluminium, said, “The projects launched by Jusoor Foundation are important projects for the community. We are pleased that Sohar Aluminium has been involved in the funding of some of the projects.”