31 January 2017
Two new seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) plants have been set up in the southern Moroccan town of Boujdour to boost water supplies to the area.

Residents now have access to an additional 7,000 cubic meters of drinking water. 

Wetico, a subsidiary of Abunayyan Holding Company, won the contract for the design, manufacture, installation and start-up of the plants from the Moroccan National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water (ONEE) in 2013. 

The project marks a collaboration between Wetico and Morocco’s national operator for water supply and distribution in the country.

Wetico is a leading integrated solutions provider, specializing in water and wastewater treatment and environmental solutions. 

Since its inception in 1984, the company has had its name associated with some of the biggest projects in the Saudi water industry. 

The Boujdour project reflects its strategy to expand beyond Saudi borders and penetrate markets in the region on the basis of its expertise and experience.

Wetico CEO Paul Redstone said: “This project represents a significant milestone for Wetico as this is our first venture in Morocco. It is also the first time we have worked for the country’s national provider.”

Redstone said: “We are immensely proud of our achievement in bringing much needed fresh drinking water to the town of Boujdour and the local population.”

The project also highlights the potential of private Saudi companies to develop successful relationships with international institutions. 

Such initiatives strengthen Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 program that aims to increase the share of non-oil exports of products and services in the Kingdom’s economy. 

The CEO added: “The Boujdour project is also a step forward in gaining global recognition for not only Wetico and Abunayyan Holding but also Saudi companies in general that have the resources and ability to take on such projects.”

He said: “Wetico has many years of experience in the field of desalination and we are pleased that we are able to share our expertise through projects like this.”

© Arab News 2017