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New sustainable Sewa projects to revamp water supply

Sharjah - New water pipelines and upgraded facilities will address water shortage, salinity issues and sustainability

The Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority (Sewa) is doing a major overhaul of its water lines and projects, and implementing several new ones, in order to streamline water supply in the emirate and make it much more efficient than the current operational standards.
It has also revealed that its new water projects will address the issues of water shortage, salinity, ensure rational consumption, strengthen the networks and increase their capacity.
Speaking to Khaleej Times, Sewa chairman Dr Rashid Al Leem said Sewa installed 81,000 metres of new water lines in 2017, which are now ready for operation. He added that Sewa has recently developed a water sustainability strategy, in line with the UN 17 global goals on clean water supply.
The new water lines projects in Sharjah will also achieve sustainable development, he noted. The water networks span more than 3,500 km in Sharjah and "Sewa produces 110 million gallons per day in Sharjah, including 90 million gallons in Sharjah city," he said.
Dr Al Leem pointed out that the new projects implemented by Sewa included the implementation of a water line project between Mahathab and Al Sajaa area, with a length of 5,000 metres and a diameter of 800 mm, using a new type of carbon steel pipe conforming to international health and environmental requirements, and environmental friendliness. "The work is complete 95 per cent," he added.
Sewa has also embarked on a major strategic project to improve water supply from the Alliah production plant to the heart of Sharjah City, where two main lines of 1,200 mm each will be installed and pass through Sharjah Creek. "This project is scheduled to be complete in February 2018."
In order to conserve water, Sewa began the project to detect leaks in the waterlines, in cooperation with a Singapore company specialising in this area. 118 devices installed in various parts of Sharjah send a signal via satellite to the control centre in the case of leaks, to allow the emergency teams to control the leakage quickly and efficiently.
Sewa is also installing a new water network for the entire area of Hushi, comprising a total length of 18,000 metres, with 6,000 of it already completed. Sajaa is also getting 10,000-metres pipelines, to supply water to the factories, warehouses and labour accommodations.
The work of drilling 40 wells in Rahmaniyah field, to supply (3.5 million gallons per day) is complete and the implementation of the pipeline network to serve this project is estimated at about 5,000 metres. The main water line is being connected to a 3,500-metre area with a diameter of 600 and 800 mm, connecting it to the internal network nearing completion (97 per cent) of the project works.
Two main lines were added along University City to Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (600 mm) and length (4,500 meters) each. Two water lines from Al Fasht and Al Muntazah Park area (7,500) with 600 mm diameter, in conjunction with the Sharjah Corniche, is 70 per cent complete.
In Al Seyouh areas, a 7,000-metre pipeline with 800 mm diameter has been renovated, serving more than 120 residential villas. It also addresses the water shortage problems in Madam and the central region, where people face regular water shortage and salinity issues.
Dr Al Aleem pointed out that Sewa has achieved a steady development in all sectors, in conjunction with the huge economic, industrial and cultural boom witnessed by the Sharjah, under the follow-up and guidance of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.
The main objectives Sewa's strategy include the integrated management of the limited natural water resources and non-traditional water resources, including desalinated water and the reuse of treated wastewater. It is focusing on ensuring water quality control, production efficiency and monitoring networks, wastewater solutions, storage etc.
The official stressed Sewa follows the latest international technical specifications in the production and distribution of water. A digital network, simulation programme help reach the best international standards and specifications. Water is pumped at the lowest possible pressure so that leaks are controlled and water is conserved. "Environmentally friendly materials that maintain water quality are used in the water pipelines," he noted.
afkarali@khaleejtimes.com
What's new in the water lines?*
· 81,000m - new water lines in 2017
· 5,000m - New line between Mahathab and Al Sajaa area
· 18,000m - length of water network for Hushi
· 10,000m - water network for Sajaa area
· 40 - wells in Rahmaniyah field, to supply 3.5 mn gallons per day
· 4,500m - 2 main lines along University City to Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road
· 7,500m - 2 lines from Al Fasht and Al Muntazah Park area
· 7,000m - pipeline for Al Seyouh area, Madam and the central region
(* at various stages of completion)