Agreements worth over 1mn signed for restoration of aflaj in North Al Batinah

Sohar: Forty-nine agreements worth OMR1.19 million were signed in North Al Batinah Governorate for the restoration and maintenance of 64 aflaj (ground water systems) damaged during the recent "Al Masarrat" low-pressure on Wednesday.The signing ceremony was held under the auspices of Mohammed bin Suleiman Al Kindi, Governor of North Al Batinah, and attended by Eng. Nasser bin Ali Al Marshoodi, Director General of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources in the Governorate, among other officials. Eng. Nasser Al Marshoodi said that the signing of the agreements was in pursuance of efforts undertaken by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources to maintain the smooth function of aflaj, being a vital resource of water that is directly linked to the sustainability of agricultural activity and the well-being of local communities.Al Marshoodi explained that the maintenance programme includes 76 aflaj, of which 12 are scheduled to be repaired in the first phase and 64 others in the second phase.The project is deemed a significant investment in water infrastructure. It also reflects the attention accorded to economic, social and environmental role of aflaj in the governorate's wilayats.