Saudi Arabia’s Sharakat, the leading agency for water and wastewater projects, has officially announced that it has received five proposals from both local and international groups for the construction of the Riyadh East Independent Sewage Treatment Plant (ISTP). This ambitious project will be executed under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, marking a significant step in the nation’s water management efforts.
Project Overview and Capacity Expansion
The Riyadh East ISTP is designed to initially handle a treatment capacity of 200,000 cubic meters per day (m3/day), with plans for expansion to accommodate up to 400,000 m3/day in the future. This expansion will help cater to the growing water demands of the Kingdom as urbanization continues to rise. Sharakat emphasized the importance of this initiative in addressing wastewater management and enhancing environmental sustainability in the region.
Bidding Consortia for the Project
Five consortia have submitted bids for the project, showcasing a blend of local expertise and international experience. These consortia include:
1. A partnership of Saudi Arabia’s Miahona, Marafiq, and Bin Omairah Holding.
2. A joint effort by Spain’s GS Inima Environment and Saudi Arabia’s Alkhorayef Water and Power Technologies.
3. Collaboration between UAE’s Metito Utilities, Etihad Water and Electricity Company, and Saudi Arabia’s TamimCo.
4. A group comprising France’s Suez, Saudi Arabia’s Civil Works Company, and Al Awael Modern Contracting Company.
5. A consortium involving Bahrain’s Lamar Holding and China’s China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC).
This diverse mix of bidders underscores the project’s appeal to various organizations that specialize in water treatment and infrastructure development.
Project Timeline and Future Steps
The Riyadh East ISTP project is structured under a 25-year build-own-operate-transfer (BOOT) agreement. Following the evaluation of the submitted proposals, the winning consortium will be selected, with an anticipated announcement later this year. Project agreements are set to be finalized soon after the preferred bidder is chosen. Development work is projected to kick off in 2027, aiming for commercial operations to begin by 2030.
The project also includes features for treated sewage effluent (TSE) reuse, highlighting a commitment to sustainability. This aspect of the project encompasses infrastructure for a transmission pipeline that will support water reuse in various applications, particularly focusing on agricultural irrigation. Such initiatives align with the Kingdom’s broader objectives for efficient water resource management and sustainability.
In summary, the ongoing developments regarding the Riyadh East ISTP demonstrate Saudi Arabia’s commitment to enhancing its water infrastructure through innovative partnerships and international collaboration. With strategic planning and the right consortium in place, the project is poised to play a critical role in managing the Kingdom’s water resources for years to come.