Saturday 19th, December 2015

Multi-million dollar contracts have been awarded to two Kuwait-based construction firms for the implementation of a pair of key infrastructure packages linked to the development of Port of Duqm on Oman's Wusta coast.  Kuwaiti contractor United Gulf Construction Company (UGCC) has been selected to undertake Investment Package 3 (IP3), covering the construction of a network of roads, commercial pre-gates and customs gate houses, inspection zone, and a number of administrative and utility buildings at Oman's newest maritime gateway.

Separately, the Muscat subsidiary of Kuwait-based Combined Group Contracting Company has scooped Investment Package 4 (IP4), covering the construction of roads, infrastructure and buildings at the Government Berths Area within the port.

Both contracts, each valued in the tens of millions of dollars, were awarded by the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Authority at Duqm (SEZAD), which is overseeing the tendering and procurement of all contracts and services linked to the establishment of a mega industrial and economic hub at Duqm.  IP3 and IP4 are part of a raft of Investment Packages that are being progressively taken in hand for implementation in the development of a world-class seaport anchoring the Duqm SEZ.

As the selected contractor for the IP3 package, UGCC will construct an array of buildings that will serve as the nerve centre of Port of Duqm's operations.  The most notable is a complex of gate houses with in-gate and out-gate booths where freight flowing into and out of the seaport is inspected by the Customs authorities.

There will also be dedicated buildings housing the One-Stop Station, quarantine zones for agriculture and farm products, medical facility operated by the Ministry of Health, and various utilities. A pair of helipads will be built as well.

Infrastructure and utilities make up a sizable component of the package, with the contractor required to build networks for potable water, storm water, sewerage collection and treatment, electricity supply, telecommunications, high mast lighting and fencing.

Established in the late 1970s, UGCC's area of expertise covers building construction, civil infrastructure, roads and landscaping. In recent years, the company has expanded its geographical footprint, having launched operations in Libya, India and Oman. UGCC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Al Jeeran Holding Company (JHC), a public company listed on the Kuwait Stock Exchange.

Fellow Kuwaiti firm Combined Group Contracting Company (CGCC) is making its maiden foray into Oman with the IP4 contract award.  As part of its brief, the contractor will execute the infrastructure facilities envisaged as part of the establishment of a dedicated jetty earmarked exclusively for vessels belonging to various government agencies, including the Royal Oman Police Coast Guard, Sultan's Armed Forces, Royal Yacht, and National Ferries Company.
Established in 1965, Combined Group Contracting Company is a publicly traded share holding company in Kuwait with branches, subsidiaries and operations in across 14 countries in the Middle East and Asia.

© Oman Daily Observer 2015