Muscat – In efforts to enhance investments in the agricultural sector, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources (MAFWR) is inviting local companies to construct a dam in North Batinah.

An official at MAFWR said, “The ministry has floated a tender to construct a protection dam in Wadi al Zahimi in the wilayat of Liwa, North Batinah.”

By bolstering the nation’s water reserves, MAFWR aims to further support farmers seeking to be self-sufficient. This initiative is part of the ministry’s broader strategy, which has already seen the development of several dams across the sultanate.

According to MAFWR, the country grapples with a deficit of 316mn m3 of water annually. The increasing strain on the available 1,318mn m3 of renewable water – with the agricultural sector accounting for around 83% of the nation’s yearly water needs – underscores the urgency of such projects.

Oman has constructed 181 dams of which 63 are underground feeders, 115 surface storage facilities and three protective dams, all aimed at improving water security.

60% of Wadi Khous Dam complete

MAFWR has also announced that construction work of the Wadi Khous Dam in Fida in the wilayat of Dhank, Dhahirah, is on schedule with 60% of the project complete.

The project, a collaborative effort between civil bodies and the community and costing an estimated RO125,000, is being carefully supervised by MAFWR.

Project supervisor Saif bin Ali al Zaidi highlighted the adherence to ministry specifications throughout the construction process. “Specialists have been conducting direct field follow-ups to ensure the work aligns with the highest quality standards,” he stated.

The dam site in a mountainous area was selected after thorough testing to ensure feasibility and effectiveness in meeting its intended objectives.

Zaidi pointed out the communities that will benefit directly from the dam upon its completion. These include the inhabitants of Wadi Fada, Wadi Khous (the project’s location), the town of Dot and areas in the centre of Dhank.

The dam is 60m long, 14m wide and 8m tall, with capacity to hold 150,000m3 of water. The dam will form a 1.3km lake.

“The dam will play a crucial role in replenishing aflaj and groundwater reservoirs, significantly improving irrigation for farms and orchards in the valley,” Zaidi explained.

The objectives of building the Wadi Khous Dam project are to bolster water resources and support agricultural activities in the region, ensuring sustainable development and prosperity for its communities.