Tiwi – Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources is nearing completion of a RO2.9mn breakwater project in Tiwi, wilayat of Sur, South Sharqiyah, aimed at improving fishing infrastructure and supporting coastal communities.

The project, which has reached 67% completion, is part of the government’s efforts to enhance fish landing facilities, improve boat safety, and shield the coast from high waves and tidal surges.

Ismail bin Ibrahim al Farsi, Director of the Fisheries Department in South Sharqiyah, said the project is expected to have wide-ranging economic and social benefits.

“It will contribute to the development and revitalisation of the local economy by facilitating fishing operations, supporting job opportunities, enhancing productivity, and reducing the effects of storms and cyclones,” he said.

He added that the upgraded facilities will help improve vessel efficiency, ease navigation, and reduce the risk of boat-sinkings. According to Farsi, the project is being executed in two phases. The first phase, completed in 2024 over six months, included design and technical studies, surveys, and a 3D modelling analysis. The ongoing second phase is expected to take 11 months.

The project includes the rehabilitation of the 188m-long western breakwater, construction of a new 250m breakwater, and manufacture of 3,700 concrete units. It also involves reclaiming more than 26,000sqm of land and dredging the harbour basin to a depth of 2.5m to ensure safe navigation. Other components include a 59m-long boat slipway, a 460m sandy beach, and full lighting of the harbour area.

Farsi said the project is designed to attract boats along a 5km stretch of coastline and create new investment opportunities, such as a fish collection centre and an ice factory.

“The aim is to build integrated services for the marine fishing sector and maximise economic, biological, environmental and social returns,” he said.