Oman has signed agreements worth around RO11 million ($28.4 million) for construction of 176 residential units for citizens in the governorates of Al Dhakiliyah and South Al Sharqiyah, a report said.

The contracts also included construction of 17 residential units in Saih Al Arshan in the Wilayat of Jaalan Bani Bu Ali, as well as consultancy projects for preparing masterplans for projects in the governorates of North and South Al Batinah and a project for setting up a geographical database at the Ministry of Housing, reported Oman Observer.

A total of 158 agreements were inked for construction of residential units under the social housing programme, Shaikh Saif bin Mohammed Al Shabibi, Minister of Housing was quoted as saying in the report.

The projects form the basis of integrated residential cities with comprehensive facilities and amenities including mosques and commercial stores, the minister noted.

Construction work will begin soon, he added.

The ministry also intends to prepare additional masterplans for projects in other governorates including for Sur in South Al Sharqiyah Governorate, he revealed, adding that the ministry has finalised a comprehensive structural layout for Masirah Island.