MUSCAT -- Shannah, the gateway to Masirah Island, now boasts a brand new jetty, opening the way for the convenient movement of people, vehicles and goods between the mainland and Oman's largest island located 15 kilometres off the Wusta coast. The jetty, built by the Ministry of Transport and Communications at a cost of around RO 10.5 million, is also expected to provide new impetus to economic activity at Shannah and Masirah Island as well. Tourist traffic into Masirah Island is set to rise as well, as visitors take advantage of the modern jetty and other facilities to gain easy access to the island.
Work on the project was completed recently by a joint venture of Afcons Infrastructure Ltd, India's leading engineering construction and infrastructure company, and Oman Shapoorji Construction Company (OSCO), a well-known Omani construction firm. The facility replaces an old, dilapidated jetty that could only be used at high tide and during fair water conditions. According to officials, the new Shannah jetty is designed to support ferry operations round-the-clock, all-year-round and in all kinds of weather. Dredged to a depth of -5 metres chart datum, the landing platform of the jetty can accommodate up to 12 ferries at a time, which is a huge improvement over the old jetty's capacity of two ferries.
Also as part of the project, the joint venture contractors have constructed a 1.2 kilometre-long approach road to the jetty. A 258-metre-long quay allows for ferries and other vessels to load and discharge goods. An added feature is the jetty's 35-metre wide apron which is equipped to handle heavy vehicles as they roll on and off the ferries. An aesthetically built nine-metre-high lighthouse guides ferries and vessels as they approach the jetty, particularly at night. Other visitor-friendly amenities incorporated into the project include a mosque, prayer hall for women, commercial areas, and a spacious parking lot. A dedicated berth for a Royal Oman Police vessel is also included in the facility.
Officials say the jetty project, among other infrastructure improvements at Shannah, is expected to further boost economic investment into Masirah. Fishing and fish processing are thriving industries on the island, but tourism is on the uptrend too with a number of budget hotels having launched in recent years. The island is also attracting growing numbers of nature lovers and eco-tourists, drawn by its unique biodiversity. Masirah hosts one of the largest populations of endangered Loggerhead turtles, and is also home to diverse species of birds, mammals and other wildlife.
By Conrad Prabhu
© Oman Daily Observer 2008
