Dh17 million project to enhance water supply across Sharjah

Sharjah - The transmission lines are from Al Alliah to Al Jubail under the Sharjah Creek.

The Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority (SEWA) has completed two water transmission lines project with a capacity of 60 million gallons per day and at a cost of Dh17 million. The transmission lines are from Al Alliah to Al Jubail under the Sharjah Creek.
Dr Rashid Al Aleem, chairman of SEWA, said that it is considered to be one of the most important strategic projects carried out by the SEWA to increase capacity of transferring water produced from the water desalination plant to the Jubail area on the other bank of the creek by more than 100 per cent and distributed to all areas of Sharjah, to keep up with the growing urbanisation.
Dr Al Leem added that Sharjah needs more than 110 million gallons of water per day, 50 per cent of which is produced at Al Alliah. The new project is a major step towards enhancing water services to the residents of the emirate in a sustainable manner. The capacity of the new lines will reach 60 million gallons per day. The capacity of the old lines is 50 million gallons.
He said that SEWA has developed a strategy for water sustainability and implemented expansions and ambitious development projects to keep pace with the rapid progress taking place in the emirate.
"The water networks span more than 3,300km. Non-conventional water resources, including desalinated water and reuse of treated wastewater, are being produced through joint efforts of all partners concerned to ensure water quality control, production efficiency and to avoid serious wastage and water pollution. "SEWA is making huge efforts to raise awareness about the importance of optimal use of water and rationalising its consumption," he pointed out.
He stressed that SEWA adheres to the latest international technical specifications in the production and distribution of water. It relies on a digital network, a simulation and modelling programme for network in order to reach the best international standards and specifications. "SEWA is keen to use environment-friendly materials that maintain the quality of water in the implementation of water network lines," Dr Aleem said.
The project is divided into two first floor works on both sides of the creek, including the establishment of valves control rooms connecting new lines with the old ones. The first work also includes protection and maintenance of the surrounding roads where SEWA used carbon steel pipes protected with a paint that's not health hazardous, and follows the latest international standards in the distribution of freshwater and transport systems.
The second is marine work under the creek which includes excavation, installing of lines under water and lying off huge cement blocks.
To secure navigational movement inside the creek, SEWA used high-density polyethylene pipes which are resistant, safe for water transport and comply with international standards.
Al Mulla pointed out that despite challenges faced during its implementation, the project was completed on time and the new lines in Sharjah's water transport and distribution system were introduced after 11 months of continuous work.
afkar@khaleejtimes.com

• Sharjah