ARCADIS, a leading natural and built asset design and consultancy firm, said it has been awarded a major contract by the Saudi Arabian government to develop a water, wastewater, treated sewage effluent and an asset management masterplan for the region of Makkah.

Under the 18-month contract, Arcadis will support National Water Company (MCBU) in expansion and improvement of the city’s water supply and service, said a top official.

“Makkah is a focal point of pilgrims often swelling the population above its base of two million inhabitants to over six million during religious festivals, placing significant demands on basic services,” remarked Philip Bourne, the water sector director (Middle East) at Arcadis.

Over the year, Arcadis will bring its global expertise together from the Middle East, Europe and US to prepare a database study of their water and wastewater infrastructure assets; develop an integrated water, wastewater and treated sewage effluent master plan; and prepare a capital investment plan for 2015 to 2050.

The team will work closely with MCBU to develop the most progressive plan to fit King Abdullah’s vision of 2050, Bourne said.

“Once completed, the study will provide a masterplan to enable future planning of water and wastewater services for over seven million people in the region as well as industrial clients to the year 2050.

“As part of the study, emergency works will also be contemplated,” he added.