Fewa plans Dh128 million water projects in Umm Al Quwain

One of the new water transmission and distribution pipelines used by FEWA in Umm Al Quwain.- Supplied photo

Umm Al Quwain: The Federal Electricity and Water Authority (Fewa) is planning projects worth over Dh128 million to improve the water supply network in Umm Al Quwain.

Mohammed Saleh, Director-General of the Fewa, said they are all set to build water transmission lines, valued at Dh59 million, using ductile iron pipes with 600mm to 800mm diameter.

“Distribution lines, valued at Dh25 million, using pipes of 300mm, 400mm, and 500mm diameters are scheduled as well. These are for the internal supply network.”

The authority will lay 15km-long new water pipes, 315mm in diameter, along Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Road, starting from Falaj Al Mualla Road to the Aqran road against Dh6.3 million.

“Works on this project are slated to start in the beginning of 2015 and is expected to be completed before the end of the year.”

Saleh said the authority has signed a two-year contract to lay new water lines in Umm Al Quwain until 2016.

“We are also to connect the water desalination station in Al Zawra area of Ajman with the Abraq desalination station in Umm Al Quwain.”

Up to 40km of ductile iron pipes, 800mm in diameter, are to be used, he said. “Two water tanks with a capacity of 10 million gallons each will be built as part of the Fewa’s 2018 plans to meet the water needs of the emirate.”

Saleh said the authority has already completed a number of major water projects, some of which started last year. “The Fewa has replaced the old water distribution network and home supply pipes of 10mm, 50mm, 160mm, and 250mm diameter in Al Baida, Al Ezaa, Al Hamra, and Al Salma areas at a total value of Dh38 million.”

The Abu Dhabi Transmission & Despatch Company will build a water tank with a capacity of four million gallons to store the extra amounts of water being desalinated by the Abraq Water Desalination Station.

“The authority is working on a plan to replace all old water pipes in Umm Al Quwain with new ones within three years.”

ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com