SWPC signs $2.3bn Jubail-Buraydah IWTP project deal
RIYADH, 3 days ago
Saudi Water Partnership Company (SWPC) has signed agreements worth SAR8.5 billion ($2.3 billion) with a consortium of Saudi utility developers for the implementation of Jubail-Buraydah Independent Water Transmission Pipeline (IWTP) project coming up in Al Qassim province.
The winning consortium, comprising Aljomaih Energy and Water Company Power, Nesma Company and Buhur for Investment Company, will be developing the project on a build-own-operate and transfer (BOOT) model.
The project, with a transmission capacity of 650,000 cu m/day, is a significant boost to the water infrastructure in the Al Qassim and the Eastern provinces that will cater to the drinking water needs in both regions, said a statement from SWPC.
The Jubail-Buraydah IWTP project also comprises six strategic storage tanks at Al Shamasiyah and 3 strategic storage tanks at Al Jubail with a total storage capacity of 1,634,500 cu m, ensuring a reliable and efficient water supply in the two regions, it stated.
The 587-km-long pipeline will have the ability of reverse flow from Al Shamasiyah, passing through Al Qulayib, to Al Jubail with the full project capacity, said the statement.
The agreement was inked under the patronage of Prince Dr Faisal bin Mishaal bin Saud bin Abdulaziz, Prince of Al Qassim province and Engineer Abdulrahman Abdulmohsen AlFadley, the Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture and Chairman of the Board of Directors of SWPC.
Lauding the Saudi leadership for its support, Al Fadley said the signing of these agreements helps in achieving the goals and plans of the ministry to showcase robust water transmission in the various regions of the kingdom in front of investors.
In addition, it is an extension of the signing of previous projects with the participation of the private sector, he stated.
CEO Khalid Bin Zwaid AlQureshi said a total of 32 companies, including 14 local companies, had bid for the project and after a competitive process, the consortium of Aljomaih Energy & Water Company emerged winners.
The scope of work for the winning bidder includes development, financing, procurement, implementation, operation and maintenance of the project.
The project’s commercial operation is expected to commence in the second quarter of 2029. The concession term is for a period of 35 years from the commercial operation, stated AlQureshi.
"This project will help improve the efficiency of water transmission with lower levels of electricity consumption and operating costs. Further, the project will support increasing local content by increasing the percentage of Saudization in business and human resources," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
