Oman’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources (MAFWR) has inaugurated the $118.4 million (RO 45.6 million) Wadi al Jifnain flood protection dam in Seeb, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to enhance flood management and water conservation.
The inauguration ceremony was held under the patronage of H.H. Sayyid Harib bin Thuwaini al Said, Assistant Secretary-General of the Council of Ministers for Conferences. H.E. Ali bin Mohammed al Abri, Undersecretary for Water Resources at MAFWR, emphasized the importance of an integrated flood management system, noting that Oman has constructed 200 dams across various governorates to support groundwater recharge, surface water storage, and flood mitigation.
Project Overview and Technical Features
Completed within three years, the Wadi al Jifnain dam is designed to protect residential and commercial areas in Al Khoud, Al Hail, and Mawaleh from flood damage.
Youssef bin Masoud al Mandhari, Director of the Dams Department at MAFWR, highlighted the dam’s modern design and advanced technology, which includes:
- Hydrological studies-based design ensuring optimal water management.
- Plastic concrete construction for enhanced durability.
- Advanced water control systems with real-time monitoring.
- Two concrete spillways and four water discharge gates for efficient water flow management.
- A height of 20m and a total length of 6,400m.
- Storage capacity of approximately 11.5 million cubic meters.
Environmental and Infrastructure Considerations
The project was developed in line with international environmental standards, with impact assessments indicating minimal effects on local biodiversity. Special measures were implemented to maintain wildlife corridors and protect the surrounding ecosystem.
The $118.4 million budget covered construction, infrastructure, and consultancy services. Completed on schedule, the project underscores MAFWR’s commitment to delivering high-quality water management infrastructure for flood resilience and sustainable water resources.
(Source: Muscat Daily)
