Thursday 31 / October / 2024
Muscat: Muscat City Desalination Company’s (MCDC) plant has completed one year of production since starting operations on February 19, 2016, according to a press release.
The plant has a capacity of 42 million imperial gallons per day and its seawater reverse osmosis technology is a proven one, implemented globally on numerous projects.
MCDC is a player in Oman’s utility industry, contributing to the wellbeing of its residents by providing one of life’s most precious and vital ingredients — potable water. Oman’s daily water demand has been growing by some 2 per cent to 3 per cent per year, and has been notably increasing in the metropolitan area centred in Muscat. To meet the increasing demand, the Government of Oman launched a competitive bidding process in 2012 for multiple independent water projects (IWPs). Following their successful bids, the shareholders incorporated MCDC to undertake the project.
“We are extremely pleased with the development and commissioning of the Al Ghubrah IWP developed by MCDC. Guided by the vision of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, Oman has made giant strides over the last four decades to bring people sustainable progress and prosperity, and water is an essential utility, of fundamental importance. The successful operation of the plant will help meet the growing demand for water, which forms the bedrock of all the development and growth plans of the country,” said Yaqoob bin Saif Al Kiyumi, acting chief executive officer of Oman Power and Water Procurement Company.
“MCDC is very proud to be a contributor to Oman, and in being able to deliver potable water to a vibrant city like Muscat. Our strategic location, in the heart of Muscat, enables us to deliver this life-essential (product) faster to a young and modern metropolis. The plant has good availability and is providing largely uninterrupted water supply,” added Subrina Thiagarajah, CEO, MCDC.
The plant is operated by Muscat City Desalination Operations & Maintenance Company, owned by the shareholders of MCDC. With a majority of Omani operators, a team of 37 professionals ensures that the plant produces very high quality water according to global best practices and delivers on a 24/7 basis. A comprehensive maintenance programme guarantees the plant’s continuous availability.
MCDC practices high standards of social responsibility. “Water is crucial to sustaining life, supporting economic prosperity and growth, and contributing to a better quality of life, particularly in the face of the growing population of the Sultanate of Oman. MCDC endeavours to be socially accountable and responsible, in strict compliance with environmental issues,” Subrina added.
MCDC is owned by well-reputed and experienced shareholders that are global leaders with vast experience in the water industry: Malakoff International (Malaysia), Sumitomo Corporation (Japan), and Cadagua (Spain).
Malakoff, headquartered in Kuala Lumpur and listed on the Bursa Malaysia Stock Exchange with a market capitalisation of approximately $2 billion, is the leading and largest IPP in Malaysia. Sumitomo Corporation is one of the leading general trading and investment firms in Japan, developing a multifaceted business on a global scale to respond to the diverse needs of customers. Cadagua with more than 45 years of experience in the water sector is well known in Spain and abroad as a pioneer and leading company in the field of engineering and construction of water, wastewater treatment, and desalination plants.
