MUSCAT -- As part of their 'Ramadhan Evening' series, the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) recently hosted a meeting on 'Challenges and Remedies of Omanisation in the Water and Electricity Sector', held under the auspices of Yaha bin Said al Jabri, Chairman of Duqm Special Economic Zone, at OCCI in Ruwi. The evening series debates allow a panel of experts to speak and give presentations on their area of expertise and to debate and answer questions from audience members involved or interested in the field. In this instance, they looked into the important aspect of Omanisation in the electricity and water sectors and the various challenges being faced, as well as identifying the responsibilities of the Joint Committee for Omanisation in the Electricity and Water Sector.
Committee members include Ahmed bin Hamed al Subhi, Chairman, Zahir bin Khalid al Sulaimani, Deputy Chairman, Mohammed bin Mubarak Kawfan, Member, Ahmed bin Saif al Mazroui, Member, Sind bin Hussein al Shaikh, Member, Mohammed bin Nasser al Ghabri, Member, Sahar bint Said al Kaabiya, Member, Khalda bin Khalilallah bin Mohammed, Member, and Hussein bin Ali al Mukhaini, Member. Their aim is to 'strive to improve human resources and raising the efficiency of the national workforce sectors by focusing on specific training and the creation of small and medium-sized enterprises, self-administered by the national cadres.' A study was presented on how to increase Omanisation in the sector, as well as on the ongoing work of formation and development of small and medium-sized enterprises in relation to desired goals and future aspirations. It showed the future needs of Omanisation in the sector and work being done for the development of staff to meet these requirements:
The electricity distribution sector are working with 5 companies, including rural electricity, Omanisation exceed 90 per cent with water distribution sector Omanisation exceeding 90 per cent. Sector distribution projects are working with local construction companies -- mostly foreigners; Omanisation at minimum levels. The business sector, especially local construction companies, have mostly expats and minimum Omanisation levels. 250 companies registered in the contracting and distribution for the electricity sector. The investment in the electricity sector is RO 200 million per annum. Part of the Commission's work is selection of candidates for training. They must qualify for this in accordance to the Omanisation plan. This is in addition to identifying training curricula that meet the needs of enterprises for professional skills at different levels.
They monitor the implementation of the sectoral plan and evaluate their results, using them as a basis for developmental evaluation. From this, they make proposals and work programmes to support individual initiatives within the sector, so as to contribute to the empowerment of youth to set-up-shop for themselves under the support programme. The Committee studied Omanisation increase in organisations operating in the sector. They work with government and private establishments to help increase Omanisation within the scheduled timeframe. A proposal seeking to increase Omanisation levels, in relation to the undertaken studies, has been adopted and approved by the supervisory committee for Omanisation in January and has been forwarded for final approval. After final approval, the panel will commence with mechanisms for implementation and they will look into and overcome obstacles that prevent increased Omanisation. Other areas reviewed include minimum salaries, vocational training centres and potential remunerations in relation to nature of work which must be attractive to students and involve the private sector in curricula preparation; also simplify admission procedures and the development of training programmes for school drop-outs.
© Oman Daily Observer 2013
