Kuwait starts work on water plant

Kuwait's Ministry of Electricity and Water has begun work on a KD140 million ($465 million) project aimed at distributing water from the Subiya desalination plant to reservoirs in Sabhan and Western Funaitees.

A number of minor projects to supply South Surra, West Jleeb Al Shuyoukh and South Doha with pure water are also being undertaken and KD60 million has been allocated for them, the Arab Times quoted a ministry official as saying.

The official said the ministry plans to replace all the country's water network made of asbestos with pipes made of ductile iron by 2004.

Other projects planned include a proposal to boost water supplies to Wafra, as part of the government's KD40 million initiative to increase agriculture and cultivation in the country. In this regard, a new pipeline from Al Zoor water desalination plant to Wafra at a cost of KD17 million. This project which is expected to take three years to complete.

The ministry will put out for tender another project to increase the quantity of treated water distributed to Abdali and Wafra. The project is estimated to cost KD23 million.

Power supply agreeement near

Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Oil Refining Company (Takreer) is close to finalising agreements with Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority (Adwea) and the Abu Dhabi Transmission and Dispatch Company (Transco) to supply power to Adwea through the Transco grids.

Takreer is expected to provide Adwea with 300 MW of electricity. The interconnecting of the grid in Abu Dhabi, funded by Takreer, is expected to be completed by within weeks.

The grid project will serve the purpose of unifying the UAE grid and later connecting it to the GCC electricity grid, Takreer said.

New HQ for chamber of commerce

Abu Dhabi: Plans for a high-rise headquarters for the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the UAE emirate of Abu Dhabi have moved a step forward with a design chosen for the project.

The Abu Dhabi executive council reviewed models presented by five international engineering firms and chose one which proposed a 45-storey building with parking lots and other facilities.

The council also approved the proposed new Khalifa Resort to be constructed at the old airport area facing the mangrove beach. Spread over an area of 430,000 sq m, the project comprises a maritime museum, a date palm oasis, gardens, a water park, mosques, an open-air theatre and special hall for celebrations.