Nama Water Services and Towell Infrastructure Projects Win Asian Water Awards 2026 for Mudaibi Water Network
Oman’s Mudaibi Water Distribution Network Project in Al Sharqiyah North Governorate has won the Water Initiative of the Year Award at the Asian Water Awards 2026, recognizing its achievements in infrastructure development, efficient project management, and sustainable water services.
The project was implemented by Nama Water Services, with Towell Infrastructure Projects responsible for executing the works under a contract covering the construction of water distribution networks and household connections across Wilayat Al Mudaibi.
The first phase was completed within the approved contractual period of 790 days and without exceeding its budget of OMR 65.25 million, demonstrating effective financial management and efficient project execution.
The award highlights Oman’s continued efforts to strengthen its water infrastructure, improve service reliability, and support sustainable development in local communities.
Mudaibi Water Project to Serve Around 15,000 Homes
Executed by Towell Infrastructure Projects on behalf of Nama Water Services, the first phase of the Mudaibi Water Distribution Network Project established approximately 892 kilometres of water distribution networks, providing infrastructure to serve around 15,000 homes.
The project covers Al Mudaibi, Al Rawdah, Al Akhdar, Samad Al Shan, Lazq, and Khadra Bani Difa. These developments are expected to enhance the reliability of water supplies, support urban expansion, and meet the growing needs of residential communities.
The network was also designed with future demand in mind, with the capacity to accommodate more than 154,000 people by 2040. In addition, the project aims to reduce water losses and improve distribution efficiency, contributing to the long-term sustainability of water services in the governorate.
Nama Water Services Highlights Efficient Project Management
The project was delivered within its contractual period of 790 days and its approved budget of OMR 65.25 million, despite the geographical and engineering challenges encountered during implementation.
Abdullah bin Salem Al Rasbi, Chief Executive Officer of the Development Projects Unit at Nama Water Services, said the award reflects the company’s growing capabilities in managing strategic infrastructure projects.
He emphasized that the value of infrastructure investment lies not only in its financial scale but also in its ability to deliver reliable infrastructure, sustainable services, and long-term benefits for communities and the national economy.
The project adopted a design, build, and finance model under which Towell Infrastructure Projects financed the construction works during implementation. Nama Water Services will repay the contract value over five years following the project’s handover.
This arrangement supports flexible capital investment management while strengthening coordination between planning, financing, and execution.
Engineering Challenges and Protection of Traditional Water Systems
The geographical and urban characteristics of Wilayat Al Mudaibi presented several engineering challenges for the project team. These included extending pipelines across valleys and elevated terrain, working in older residential neighbourhoods, and navigating existing utility networks and traditional aflaj irrigation systems.
Ghalib bin Amer Al Musalmi, Project Manager of the Mudaibi Water Networks Project, explained that the work required detailed site assessments, careful planning, and continuous field coordination to ensure the successful installation of the new networks while safeguarding traditional water systems.
He also highlighted the importance of collaboration between engineering specialists, local expertise, and supporting companies in overcoming technical challenges and strengthening local capabilities.
Nearly 3.5 Million Working Hours Without Lost-Time Injuries
Occupational health and safety was another key achievement of the Mudaibi Water Distribution Network Project.
The project recorded 3,476,992 working hours without lost-time injuries, achieving a zero lost-time injury frequency rate per million working hours. This reflects the implementation of safety procedures and risk management measures throughout the construction period.
The project also achieved an Omanisation rate of approximately 25.97%, while providing opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises to participate in construction activities, supply chains, and supporting services.
Furthermore, the initiative extended its community contributions through support for several schools, government entities, and local institutions, strengthening its social and economic impact.
Second Phase of the Mudaibi Water Project Reaches 45% Completion
Nama Water Services is continuing to implement the second phase of the Mudaibi Water Distribution Network Project, with an investment of approximately OMR 15 million.
The second phase will extend water network coverage to 11 additional villages that were not included in the first phase. According to the project update announced on October 18, 2026, construction has reached 45% completion.
Once completed, the expansion is expected to improve network integration, strengthen the reliability of water supplies, and accommodate population growth and increasing demand across Wilayat Al Mudaibi.
The company is also coordinating network connections in stages and monitoring system performance and household connections during trial operations to ensure the network’s readiness for service.
Asian Water Awards Recognition Highlights Oman’s Infrastructure Progress
The Asian Water Awards recognise outstanding initiatives and projects in the water sector, particularly those that contribute to infrastructure development, service efficiency, and sustainability.
The recognition of the Mudaibi Water Distribution Network Project highlights the collaboration between Nama Water Services and Towell Infrastructure Projects in delivering essential infrastructure while maintaining financial discipline, engineering standards, and occupational safety.
By expanding access to reliable water services and preparing for future demand, the project supports Oman’s wider development objectives and demonstrates the importance of sustainable investment in essential infrastructure.
Source: Oman News Agency.
