The Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture revealed that it has launched an investment initiative, the first of its kind, to offer bids for the construction of water dams.
The ministry announced the launch of four water dam projects in the Asir region (southern of the Kingdom) for investment by the private sector, with the aim of developing and protecting the areas surrounding the dams, promoting recreational activities, and preserving water reserves.
Saudi Arabia seeks to exploit all opportunities to achieve water security and provide the necessary capabilities to protect the country’s water resources in line with the goals of Vision 2030.
The four dams are located in the Southern Asir province and they will be built in separate areas.
The Environment, Water and Agriculture Ministry said bidding from experienced private sector firms would end after nearly three months.
“These projects constitute an opportunity for the private sector to contribute to the development of the Southern region,” the Ministry said in a statement.
“The projects are intended to conserve water in that region and at the same time support plans to develop recreational activities,” it added.
In March, the Saudi government decided to assign the tasks of establishing, operating, maintaining and reconstructing dam water and groundwater purification plants to the Saline Water Conversion Corporation (SWCC).
Eng. Abdullah Al-Abdul Karim, SWCC governor, said that the cabinet decision would seek to harness all the technical, engineering and research capabilities to ensure the sustainability of water supply in all regions of the Kingdom.
He added that the corporation will manage, operate and maintain purification plants built on wells and dams, while the pumped water will remain under the management and supervision of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture.
