Italian-Lebanese joint venture begins work on RO 5.8m project
MUSCAT -- Reconstruction work on the Qurum-Al Sarooj beach road, which was partly swept away by floodwaters during last June's adverse weather conditions in Oman, is targeted for completion by October-end this year. A joint venture of Italian construction firm Federici-Stirling SpA and Lebanon's BATCO is currently executing the road project on behalf of Muscat Municipality at a cost of RO 5.8 million. When completed, well before the Sultanate's 38th National Day later this year, this popular beachfront stretch will be upgraded into a modern carriageway with two additional bridges and ample parking space to boot.
Federici-Stirling, a specialist in road bridge construction, among other things, has been roped in to implement the road project within a challenging 10-months timeframe. The company has set up a local firm, Federici-Stirling BATCO LLC, in partnership with Beirut-based Badawi Azour Trading and Contracting (BATCO), a construction firm with a strong presence around the Middle East. Reconstruction work on the damaged road is well under way, according to Salvatore Simonetti, CEO of Federici-Stirling BATCO. "We mobilised very quickly keeping in sight the tight 10-months timeframe for the completion of this project.
Actual construction has already commenced, with work on the piling and armoured rock embankments currently in progress," the veteran hydraulics and structural engineer told the Observer. The 1.6 kilometre-long beach road, which overlooks the Gulf of Oman, has been a popular attraction for families and cityfolk in general, particularly on weekends and holidays. Besides providing easy access to the entire stretch of the Qurum beach, the road has the appeal of a boulevard attracting joggers and strollers alike. As part of the improvements to the damaged stretch, two new bridges will be constructed across tidal lagoons that were created as a result of the June floods.
One is a 150-metre long bridge adjoining the Starbucks outlet, while the other is a 30-metre-long bridge on the Crowe Plaza side of the carriageway. These bridges will replace the drainage culverts that proved ineffective in channelling the huge amounts of flood water generated by last June's adverse weather. To ensure that the bridges are robust enough to withstand future flood events, construction of the structures will involve piled foundations. Abutments and piers will be reinforced concrete and located in tidal water.
Besides, the reinforced concrete decks will be supported on precast post-tensioned concrete beams. Furthermore, embankments on the seaside will be protected against wave and flood action with the use of armoured rock and rock rivetments. According to Simonetti, who has many major road bridge projects to his credit in his native Italy and elsewhere around the Middle East, the reinforced concrete beams for the bridges will be precast at a well-equipped yard built at site.
A specialist team of engineers and technical staff, drawn from both Federici-Stirling and BATCO, will be overseeing the construction work. WS Atkins International is the consultant for the project. "I'm happy to note that Muscat Municipality, represented by Chairman HE Eng Abdullah bin Abbas bin Ahmed, and his senior colleagues, is providing every assistance to enable the speedy completion of the project within the stipulated timeframe. We have been assured that the project receives priority support from all quarters," the CEO stated.
The beach road will remain open to traffic throughout the reconstruction phase. Every precaution will be also taken to ensure that the reconstruction work will have no impact on the adjoining mangrove forest, which is part of the protected Qurum Nature Reserve, Simonetti stressed.
Significantly, the road reconstruction project represents the Italian firm's maiden contract in Oman. Its local joint venture, Federici-Stirling BATCO LLC, is keen to support ongoing expansion of the country's road and civil infrastructure. Federici-Stirling's construction expertise covers roads, dams, bridges, tunnels, airports, power plants, and civil buildings. The company is currently executing projects worth 540 million euro in various countries.
By Conrad Prabhu
© Oman Daily Observer 2008
