Documentary to cover construction story of one of the world's largest tunnelled sewerage systems

Abu Dhabi, UAE, February 4 2013: Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company (ADSSC) has announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with National Geographic Abu Dhabi (NGAD) during an event held on January 29. Through the MoU, NGAD will develop a documentary under its 'Megastructures' series, covering the construction of ADSSC's Strategic Tunnel Enhancement Programme (STEP), which, upon completion in 2015, will be one of the world's largest tunneled sewerage systems.

The MoU was signed by HE Abdulla Ali Musleh Al Ahbabi, Chairman of ADSSC and Ward Platt, President APAC and ME, Fox International Channels & National Geographic Channels.

"STEP has been a phenomenal journey for us. Not only does it carry significant value to our future asset base enhancement, the sustainability principles that guides the Programme will have minimal impacts to both the society and the environment", said H.E. Abdulla Ali Musleh Al Ahbabi, Chairman ADSSC. He further added, "The technology and skills' transfer from this Programme have already permeated the market quite deep and we have seen new industrial activities sprung up with potential socio-economic benefits to the Emirate and the UAE. By partnering with National Geographic Abu Dhabi we look forward to sharing this world-class Programme with the regional and indeed global viewers".

Mr. Platt commented: "It is the aim of National Geographic Abu Dhabi to identify and showcase local stories alongside international documentaries. STEP is a massive undertaking and is one of the key programmes in line with the vision laid out in Plan Abu Dhabi 2030.  Given its prestigious stature and the strategic foresight it represents in terms of Abu Dhabi's sustainable efforts to plan for the city's future, STEP is the ideal star of a 'Megastructures' documentary. In this light, we are proud to document and share the construction story of STEP with our viewers across the Middle East and Asia-Pacific Regions."

NGAD will develop a 48 minute documentary in English and Arabic to be aired on National Geographic Abu Dhabi (free to air across the MENA region), as well as on select National Geographic Channels across Asia-Pacific Region.

STEP is intended to address the rapidly growing needs for the collection and transport of wastewater generated by the growth of Abu Dhabi. The Programme will increase ADSSC's operational efficiency by using gravity for conveyance of wastewater to the treatment works located at Al Wathba instead of using the existing 34 major pumping stations. The removal of these major pumping stations will also release valuable land for re-development. Once completed in 2015, STEP will be an efficient, cost effective and sustainable solution to meet the long term needs of Abu Dhabi Island and Mainland for the collection and conveyance of wastewater and a key element of Abu Dhabi Government's initiative towards sustainability.

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About Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company:
Established in June 2005 and currently under the Chairmanship of H.E. Abdulla Ali Musleh Al Ahbabi, ADSSC collects and treats wastewater discharged from all residential and commercial customers in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and safely dispose of both the solid and liquid waste components. ADSSC provides treated wastewater and bio-solids to the Municipalities for horticulture purposes. ADSSC contributes effectively to the Emirate of Abu Dhabi vision and is a key link in the overall value-proposition offered to private, public and commercial customers. ADSSC services form an integral part of the Government of Abu Dhabi utilities value-chain. ADSSC achievements in the last 5 years include, but are not limited to:

  • International recognition of ADSSC Best Practices related to, "Continuous Demand Forecasting in a High Growth Environment" and "Program Management Office - a collaborated approach" by the Australian Water and Waste Water Benchmarking Association in 2008

  • ADSSC Sewerage Master Plan award, bestowed at the BEX Conference in Valencia, Spain, in 2009

  • Triple ISO Certification to ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 in 2010

About National Geographic Abu Dhabi:
Launched in July 2009, the free-to-air National Geographic Abu Dhabi invites viewers in the Middle East to re-think the way they see television - and the world - through smart, innovative programming in the Arabic language. The world's first free-to-air National Geographic Channel brought to the region by Abu Dhabi Media (ADM) and National Geographic Channels International (NGCI) is dedicated to understanding and protecting the world, with its worldwide reputation of producing credible and authentic content that fits different viewers' interests. Its programming is smart, factual entertainment weighted in favour of popular science, technology, natural history, archaeology and natural mysteries. www.natgeotv.ae.

© Press Release 2013