Muscat – The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources (MAFWR) signed three agreements for the development of the fisheries sector, worth RO5.7mn, on Thursday.

The agreements provide for the establishment of a fish market in the wilayat of Khasab, breakwaters in the villages of Al Jari and Al Ghamda’a in the wilayat of Bukha, Musandam governorate, as well as designing and construction of a fishermen’s marina in Ras al Hadd, wilayat of Sur in South Sharqiyah.

The first agreement was signed with Sultanate Investment and Services to build a fish market in the Port of Khasab spread over an area of 2,386sqm over two floors at a cost of RO3mn. The facilities will include a hall for selling fish, 11 shops for cutting fish, a cold storage and an ice production unit.

The second agreement was signed with Khimji Ramdas Construction for the establishment of breakwaters in the villages of Al Jari and Al Ghamda’a at a cost of RO2.5. ‘It is hoped that this project will provide basic services for the fisheries sector in the two villages, including barge and moorings for boats, stores and service facilities,’ a press release stated.

The third agreement, also signed with Khimji Ramdas Construction, includes the development of a fishermen’s marina at a cost of RO247,000 in the Khor al Hajar area of Ras al Hadd, funded by Oman LNG Development Foundation.

The development consists of several phases, beginning with a study and design for the project, followed by construction of several basic components like pontoons for boats, a breakwater for protection, and docking space for fishing boats, in addition to several services and facilities related to the fisheries sector. ‘Around 946 fishermen, 616 boats and 166 fish transport and marketing vehicles will benefit from the project.’

The agreements were signed by H E Dr Saud Hamoud al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, and representatives of the companies involved. Present at the signing ceremony were H E Sayyid Ibrahim Saud al Busaidi, Governor of Musandam, and H E Yaqoub Khalfan al Busaidi, Undersecretary for Fisheries, MAFWR.

‘These projects are part of the government’s plan for economic diversification, as well as developing and establishing fishing ports and landing facilities in the sultanate,’ MAFWR stated.

‘These facilities will provide an attractive environment for investment as well as an attractive work environment for Omani fishermen, thereby supporting the national economy and raising the contribution of the fisheries sector in the GDP.’