Ministry Signs 40 Agreements To Rehabilitate Aflaj Systems In Al Dhahirah

The Ministry of Agricultural Wealth, Fisheries and Water Resources signed 40 new agreements today. These contracts aim to rehabilitate and maintain the traditional aflaj systems in Al Dhahirah. The projects also include drilling auxiliary wells in various wilayats across the governorate. The total cost of these vital agricultural infrastructure projects exceeds 621,000 Omani riyals.

Restoring Efficiency To Traditional Irrigation Networks

These efforts are part of ongoing initiatives to develop the national water sector. The government wants to restore the efficiency of the traditional Omani irrigation system. The Governor of Al-Dhahirah, His Excellency Taher bin Mabkhout Al-Junaibi, patronized the signing ceremony. Thirty-five agreements focus entirely on the maintenance and rehabilitation of damaged aflaj channels. These specific repair projects will cost a total of 513,555 Omani riyals.

Five additional agreements cover drilling auxiliary wells and their required accessories. These wells will cost 107,808 Omani riyals and will support several affected aflaj. The new wells will enhance water flows and ensure sustainability for local agricultural lands. Engineer Amer bin Saif Al-Barhi signed the agreements on behalf of the Ministry.

Repairing Damage From Recent Severe Weather Events

These projects specifically address the damage caused by the Al-Masarrat depression last March. The severe weather event caused significant damage to the channels and waterways. It also negatively impacted water sources and auxiliary wells in various states. Engineer Al-Barhi affirmed the Ministry pays great attention to the historic aflaj sector.

He described the aflaj as a cultural heritage and a fundamental pillar of food security. Maintenance work includes rehabilitating the arms and channels and removing accumulated silt. Drilling auxiliary wells forms a vital tributary to ensure continuous, reliable water flow. These projects are essential to meet the daily needs of local Omani farmers.

Find the latest updates on agricultural development and infrastructure projects at Oman Day.