Muscat: Well-known Omani consultancy firm National Engineering Office (NEO) has been selected by the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (PEIE) to come up with a blueprint for the overhaul of the infrastructure of the nation's first industrial park at Rusayl in Muscat Governorate. Rusayl Industrial Estate, the flagship of PEIE's expanding network of industrial parks, was established in 1985 on the outskirts of the capital city. Over the ensuing years, it has undergone as many as seven phases of expansion in step with the rapid growth of the Sultanate's industrial and manufacturing sector.
And with new investments continuing to drive the hub's growth, a comprehensive review and overhaul of its support infrastructure -- first designed and built around three decades ago -- has become imperative, according to PEIE officials. NEO's brief is to carry out a comprehensive survey of the existing infrastructure and service utilities covering the 220-hectare industrial park. Falling within the purview of the study are the park's road networks, car parks, entrances and exits, potable and fire water systems, electrical networks, storm water systems, irrigation and landscaping, gas and telecom networks, and sewage systems. As part of its remit, the consultancy firm will recommend options for improvements to infrastructure and facilities deemed deficient, prepare final detailed designs and cost estimates for each of these components, and provide construction supervision services during the implementation phase.
In particular, a review and overhaul of the road network serving the sprawling industrial hub is envisioned as part of the rehabilitation project. The network is proposed to be upgraded to meet traffic growth projections and in line with Oman Highway Standards. A dedicated parking area for trucks is proposed as well. Also as part of the project, new entry and exit gates, complete with guardhouses and barriers, are planned at key locations around the Rusayl Industrial Estate. CCTV-based monitoring and control systems are proposed as well at entry and exit points. Set on an area of 700 hectares, of which 220 hectares have been fully developed, Rusayl Industrial Estate is home to nearly 140 factories set up with a capital investment aggregating around $900 million.
A further 45 factories are in various stages of planning and development. Factories in operation produce a wide array of consumer and industrial-oriented products, including building materials, electrical goods, cables, chemicals, automotive batteries, textiles, foodstuff, paints and stationery.
© Oman Daily Observer 2015
