The government of Ajman has commenced construction on the Emirate’s Sewage Project. The 515 million Emirati dirham ($140.2 million) scheme is forecasted to take four years to complete, stated a press release
The project, headed by the Ajman Sewage Company, includes a main treatment plant on the outskirts of the city, 22 individual and mostly underground pumping stations and laying 250 kilometers of pipelines to connect properties to the system.
The start of construction work follows the recent completion of the financial formalities for the project with the lead arranging group for the loan to finance the project comprising Bayerische Hypo-und Vereinsbank, Bayerische Landesbank, Mashreq Bank and United Arab Bank.
It is a 14-year loan that totals Dh 285 million with the remainder of the project costs covered by equity and payment of connection fees. Ajman Sewerage Company’s legal adviser was Denton Wilde Sapte and its financial adviser was Mizuho Corporate Bank. Allen & Overy provided legal advice to the lead-arranging group.
The Ajman Sewerage Company was formed in 2002 following the enactment of the Ajman Sewer Law. It is a joint venture company owned by the Government of Ajman, Thames Water, Black and Veatch and Six Construct.
Thames Water Middle East will be the operations and maintenance contractor for the duration of the 27.5-year, build, operate and transfer contract whilst Black & Veatch is the engineering, procurement and construction contractor. Six Construct will undertake the civil engineering work on the project.
The rising population of Ajman is putting a huge strain on the existing septic tank and tanker disposal system that could ultimately lead to major public health issues and will continue to pollute the soil and water of the Emirate.
Building the new plant will bring major economic and environmental benefits to the 250,000 population of the Emirate of Ajman. The system will ensure that sewage is removed from homes and businesses directly through underground pipes and then treated in a modern treatment plant.
Fully treated effluent from the plant will then be used for irrigation and other purposes. Currently domestic sewage in Ajman cannot be reused because it is not treated. — (menareport.com)
© 2003 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
