Media

The Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) has awarded a contract worth more than OMR 13.8 million to develop approximately 30 kilometres of local road networks in planned areas where the public utility designation has been lifted within the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD). The project aims to improve connectivity between locations, facilitate access and further develop infrastructure supporting urban and economic growth in the zone.

The project will be implemented over 24 months and includes the construction of priority internal roads and associated utility networks. It will improve traffic flow, serve residents and businesses, and enhance the readiness of the planned areas covered by the project to meet development needs.

The scope of work includes site preparation, road construction, stormwater drainage networks, electrical networks and street lighting systems, as well as the installation of traffic signs and road markings. It also covers the installation or diversion of telecommunications ducts, as required during implementation, and the provision of associated facilities and services.

Eng. Abdullah bin Salim Al Hakmani, Director of the Technical Affairs Department at the Special Economic Zone at Duqm, said: “The project forms part of OPAZ’s efforts to develop infrastructure in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm and prioritise work at key locations. It will strengthen the integration of the road network, improve access to planned areas and other locations, and support their utilisation to meet the zone’s development needs.”

He added: “Developing roads and associated utilities will enhance the zone’s readiness to accommodate urban expansion and economic and investment activities. Improving connectivity between locations is a key element in providing an integrated environment that meets the needs of residents, businesses and investors in the planned areas where the public utility designation has been lifted within the Special Economic Zone at Duqm.”

The project forms part of OPAZ’s efforts to develop the zone’s infrastructure and direct implementation towards priority locations. It will strengthen the integration of the road network, connect planned areas to various facilities and services, and support their utilisation to accommodate urban expansion and economic and investment activities.

Implementation will ensure coordination between roadworks and associated utility networks, in cooperation with the relevant authorities, particularly in relation to electricity and telecommunications networks and existing services. Work quality and compliance with approved technical specifications and the implementation schedule will also be monitored.

The project is expected to improve mobility and access, enhance services for residents, businesses and investors, and support the business environment, further strengthening the Special Economic Zone at Duqm’s readiness to accommodate additional projects and economic activities.