45 years human first development and building by Oman Establishment for Press, Publishing & Advertising (OEPPA), Business Development Department

His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said

“Today, every Omani can hold up his head with pride at our achievement.”

Qaboos Bin Said 18/11/1980 On the occasion of the 10th National Day

INTRODUCTION

LEGISLATIONS AND LAWS

WATER LEGISLATIONS

MUNICIPALITIES SECTOR

LIGHTING PROJECTS

MUNICIPALITIES LEGISLATIONS

ROAD PROJECTS

SOUQS AND MARKET STALLS GARDENS AND PARKS

24 26

HEALTH CONTROL AND WASTEWATER

WATER RESOURCES SECTOR

Printed by

Ministry of municipalities regional and water resources Business Development Department

Awareness and information department

Fatema Al Gilani

11/2015

Abdul Aziz Al Shukaili

Supervision

Prem Varghese

Dr. Aisha said Al-Ghabshi

Karen Jane Stephen Editorial board: Design

Bader khalfan Al-Kendi

Ahmed Farsy

Sulaiman said Al-Hasani

Ali Jawish

Nadya nasser Al-Seyabi

WATER RESOURCES AFLAJ & SPRINGS WATER LICENSES

WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT DAMS

WATER MONITORING

38 42 44 46 48 50

EVALUATION WATER RESOURCES PROJECTS

SUPPORT SECTOR

Nasser hamed Al-Hinai Dhanina nasser Al-Reshidi Photographer: Barkat mohammad AL-Sulimani

PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP

PARTICIPATIONS

Since the raise of the blessed Renaissance of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said - may Allah protect him – ,the glorious Oman has been achieving triumphant accomplishments that provided everyone on its land the fruitful reap. Forty-five years of constant work, led to the achievement of a comprehensive developmental renaissance in Oman covered all areas of life. The municipalities and water resources are among vital sectors that acquired wide attention in order to provide a decent living requirements. This book presents the achievements of the Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources in the different sectors, In the municipal sector, the ministry has established markets, municipal slaughterhouses, gardens and parks and wastewater plants as well as the pavement of internal roads and installation of lighting poles. In addition to the establishment of various service utilities and implementation of beautification and development work in various governorates and wilayats over the Sultanate. Believing in the need to strengthen control on food and health establishments to ensure the consumers health and safety, the Ministry implements daily field visits to these establishments using modern equipment to ensure accuracy in monitoring the violations. Also, guide the owners of such establishments to follow the applied rules and regulations. The ministry is keen to buy modern machinery and equipment for the general directorates and municipalities in governorates to be used in various field work. For example, public cleanness work to ensure the safe disposal of waste and transport to the allocated sites in order to preserve public health. In water resources sector, the ministry is seeking to develop, evaluate, manage and conserve these resources through the construction, maintenance and rehabilitation of recharge, surface storage and flood protection dams in different wilayats. In addition to its efforts in conservation and maintenance of aflajs and water springs, as well as excavation of assistant wells and carrying out water studies. In order to provide quality and efficient services, the ministry has developed a comprehensive plan for the implementation of e-government requirements in order to develop the municipal and water work system as well as to provide the ministry’s services to beneficiaries through the Internet and smart phones applications. The quality management system project is a clear evidence of work improvement and development of performance level leading the ministry to obtaining (ISO 9001: 2008) certification in 2015. Awareness side represents an important pillar and a key target sought by the ministry through consolidating the concept of community partnership and constructive cooperation between the citizen and the municipality until this partnership achieve the desired goals and objectives. Finally, the ministry is committed to continue its achievements, adhering to its pursued vision of quality and excellence towards the municipal and the Water Services and a Pioneer Social Partnership.

Municipal regulations

Municipal legislations

Under a sustainable development vision the municipalities came as an advanced service system. Thanks to the patronage of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said - may God protect him- and His Majesty’s contribution to the municipal sector to drive the development and service communities in Wilayat, services that submit in this sector have developed, through 44 municipalities distributed in the various governorates of the Sultanate. Followed by a number of hygiene branches and sections seeking to extend the scope of municipal services .“In his speech on the celebration of the second National Day, His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said declared; “We will establish municipalities in the main cities and eventually there will be municipalities in every city and village by God’s will”. The Law for organizing the Regional Municipalities and its functions, issued by the Royal Decree No. (87/2000) is the method from which the municipalities derive its policies in providing and enhancing the services in Wilayat in coordination with the concerned authorities. In 1985, municipalities emerged as an independent government institution under the Royal Decree No. 2/85 issued on the 1st of January 1985 which prescribes the establishment of the Ministry of Municipalities and Lands Affairs. •

In 1986 Regional Municipalities Law was issued by Royal Decree No. 87/1986 which set the ministry functions and powers in the municipal field and identified municipal bodies and the number of municipalities supervised by the ministry. Additionally, the provisions of this law has been amended and a new law was issued to regulate the regional municipalities under Royal Decree No. 96/2000.

•

In 1991 a Royal Decree was issued to integrate the Ministry of Environment, the Environmental Protection Council and the Ministry of Regional Municipalities to become “the Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Environment” under the Royal Decree No. 117/1991.

•

In 2001 a Royal Decree was issued to integrate the two Ministries of Regional Municipalities and Environment and Water Resources in one ministry called “The Ministry of Regional Municipalities, Environment and Water Resources” under the Royal Decree No. 47/2001.

•

In September 2007, the Royal Decree No. 90/2007 was issued to establish the Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs, followed by the Royal Decree No. 93/2007 to amend some of the ministries names, including name of the Ministry of Regional Municipalities, Environment and Water Resources to become the Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources.

• Regulations for Organizing Building The Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources is keen to complete the developmental projects of towns and cities of Oman, and provide all the necessary modern services, thereby all governorates of the Sultanate have a large share of development that preserves the traditional identity and modern features of the Omani city. Therefore, Regulation for organizing building was issued according to the Ministerial Decision No. (48/2000) and its amendments, in accordance with the Ministerial Decision No. (43/2011) issued on 28/3/2011. The regulation identifies contemporary architectural frameworks that are compatible with modern architecture. • Health Regulations for Food Control Food is one of the most important elements of life. Providing healthy and proper food and consumer protection are priorities of the Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources in order to keep pace with the developments and rapid growth in the food industry. In order to maintain food safety, legislation and regulations are developed to protect food from pollution, corruption or commercial fraud. Standards and requirements are developed for all food establishments which are compatible with the predominant social, cultural and economic conditions in the Sultanate. On the top of all legislations is Food Safety Law issued by the Royal Decree (84/2008) and Food Safety Regulation issued by the Ministerial Decision No. 2/2010 on the violating establishments and obligating them to execute the required conditions and fight against fraud and manipulation.

Municipal regulations laws and regulations control the municipal work throughout the Sultanate, and organize the different work of the Ministry. Such laws and regulations, have found flexibly to regulate work in various fields, and rationalize consumption of natural resources and aesthetic aspects. The most prominent municipal laws that applied by the ministry in the municipal sector: • Law of Regulating the Regional Municipalities The Royal Decree No. (96/2000) regulating the regional municipalities was issued to determine the scope of the administrative and geographical jurisdiction of the regional municipalities in the Sultanate’s governorates and regions that are under the ministry’s supervision in order to strengthen the municipal affairs in accordance with the modern urban planning fundamentals based on cutting-edge scientific technology. This Royal has identified various areas of municipal work, the responsibilities and powers of the municipal bodies, as well as the activities and services provided by them. Besides contributing to the establishment of infrastructure and service facilities, development of cities and ensuring a balanced civil development, along with improving the quality and quantity of urban development aspects.

Water legislations

Water Legislations The comprehensive development witnessed by the Sultanate in all areas has led to the expansion of the meaning of water to become water, “a national treasure” as stated in the Law of Water Resources Protection, issued by the Ministerial Decision No. (246/2000). The biggest challenge remains is how to meet the requirements of development, the needs of the population and preserve the water resources in the context of a difficult equation that requires a constant balance between supply and demand. Institutional and legislative establishment; which is set in the Sultanate is one of the important pillars to meet this challenge as well as founding an integrated system for the management of water resources, in the framework of the basic objectives of sustainable development. Additionally, it is accompanied by a continuous effort to consolidate the principles of water conservation and increase awareness of the importance of its rational use. The Interest in water started as a vital factor in the areas of development since the early years of the blessed Renaissance during the years of the seventies of the last century. The High speech of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said; may Allah protect him, in many local and international assemblies confirmed the importance of water as a strategic resource. Laws and regulations have played an important role in the protection of water resources of the Sultanate from depletion and pollution, the following are the most important laws and regulations issued in this regard:

•

Royal Decree No. (82/88), which was considered the water storage “a national treasure” to be utilized by under the State guidance to serve the overall development plans.

•

Royal Decree No. (29/2000) issued the Law of Protecting Water Resources along with the Regulation of Organizing wells and Aflaj and the Regulations for using the desalination units in wells.

•

Royal Decree No. (114/2001) issued the Law of Environmental Protection and Pollution Control, which regulates the disposal of solid waste, hazardous waste, environmental pollution and untreated Wastewater.

•

In 2001, a number of ministerial decisions regarding the protection areas of water supply well fields in some parts of the Sultanate were issued.

Municipal regulations

Road Projects

Regional municipalities is a vital service sector and an important resource of development in the Sultanate. To contribute in advancing development and community services through 44 municipalities over governorates of the Sultanate. This is demonstrated by the quantity and quality of projects completed during the past five years. It included infrastructure projects like road paving, lighting and wastewater, as well as other service projects such as beautification of roads and cities entrances and building of markets, gardens and parks. Due to the continuous increase of urban activity and population synchronized with the increase in food consumption, the Ministry has stepped up its efforts in the area of public health and insurance of food safety through field inspection of various commercial activities. In addition to the technical monitoring of facilities under construction in order to maintain urban consistency and beauty of cities.

Road Projects Road projects has become a feature and requirement of modern life in light of the increasing economic and industrial activity, social development and urbanization. Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources has given extensive attention to this aspect and ambitious plans under the wise leadership of His Majesty- may Allah protect Him- and his sound directions during the royal field trip. Therefore, the Ministry is keen on implementation of road projects according to the priorities and needs of the wilayats since roads become an important requirement for citizens in improving their living conditions and ease their movement between villages and regions. The Ministry implemented a number of projects in various governorates wilayats, which included paving of internal roads and road links to the industrial areas. During the period from 2010 untill 2014 amount more than (1,573.515) kilometers spread over various wilayats of Oman. The Ministry, within its future plans, focuses to complete the paving of internal roads that are not covered by paving projects, according to specific priorities.

The distribution of the roads that have been completed during the period from 2010 to 2014

Roads lengths (km) Year Region Al Dhakhiliya

North Al Sharqiyah

South Al sharqiyah North Al Batinah

South Al Batinah Musandam Al Buraimi Al Dhahira Al Wusta Total

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

69.7

128.856

0.225

0.952

3.754

112.8

97.51

36.512

19.1

19.813

134.5

0.3

3.81

4.5

0.22

4.1

67.625

246.313

6.15

37.45

143.5

86.045

20.37

6.55

25.65

44.7

31.25

10.63

16.74

103.75

67.716

0.43

426.540

227.666

386.672

471.276

61.367

Lighting projects

The Ministry has paid great attention to the lighting projects in order to keep up with the remarkable development in the internal road projects. In addition to the importance of lighting in helping motorists to draw attention to the risks of the road and reduce traffic accidents, as well as the role of lighting in giving aesthetic element for roads and public spaces. The Ministry is implementing an annual plan for the dissemination of lighting to include various internal roads in accordance with the specific priorities. The number of light poles that have been installed in the various governorates during the period from 2010 until mid2015 has reached (1.328.947) poles. Number of lighting poles from 2010 - mid-2015

Governorate

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

mid 2015

Al Dhakhiliya

183

1175

207

351

130

North Al Batinah

2016

200

600

193

201

South Al Batinah

2606

442

712

112

196

Musandam

603

421

200

Al Buraimi

1506

Al Dhahira

1270

767

Al Wusta

500

Total

512

6,579

2,507

4,261

803

814

North Al Sharqiyah South Al sharqiyah

Souqs and market stalls

Souqs are significant mirror of any country that reflect the economic and social importance to the people. A number of old markets in the Sultanate acquired historical importance as it forms a livelihood for the inhabitants and a suitable place for covering different needs. The ministry has focused on this aspect and carried out a target plan for the restoration and maintenance of the old markets, as well as building new markets in some sites of high population density. The most important markets are Nizwa Market in Wilatat Nizwa, Al Dakhiliya Governorate, and Abu Thamaniyah in Wilayat Al Rustaq, South Batinah Governorate, and Al Buraimi Market in Al Buraimi Governorate. Number of markets that have been built and market stalls that has been added until mid-2015.

Governorate

No of Souqs

No of market stalls

Al Dhakhiliya North Al Sharqiyah South Al sharqiyah North Al Batinah South Al Batinah Musandam Al Buraimi Al Dhahira Al Wusta Total

9 16 2 7 12 5 4 6 2 63

25 14 5 19 12 2 7 12 2 98

Gardens and Parks

Health cards for workers in the food activities

Construction control Gardens and parks are basic components of the integrated urban growth and sound environment, as they provide open space for recreation, relaxation and social events. The ministry has paid great attention to this aspect through establishment of gardens, parks, playgrounds, planting trees and ornamental plants as a part of its efforts to find natural places for society members. The number of gardens and parks reached 126, have been built in the various governaorates of the Sultanate. Numbers of parks and gardens established by the ministry in various governorates until mid-2015.

Municipal license issued to food factories and shops

22033 26975

Year 2010 2011

18356 22479

35169 2012 Since the down of the Renaissance, the government has focused 29296 on preserving the aesthetic architectural character of 30667 2013 28414 buildings, which is derived from31828 the unique Islamic architecture. For the sake of keeping up with the urban development, the 2014 28363 ministry has focused on the organization of construction activities and ensuring the application of 20936 18289 mid-2015regulating legislations; through issuing different building permits and carrying out the control and inspection activities of buildings under construction. Additionally, preventing the illegal possessions and providing other various services. In the framework of the ministry’s regulatory process for the industrial, commercial and service structures status; including factories, shops, restaurants, cafes and other institutions, the municipal rules and regulations in force stipulate the need to obtain municipal licenses from the ministry or its municipalities in Wilayats. The competent authority submits the license application to the municipality to take the decision upon it directly.

Major new issued building permits

Governorate

Number of Gardens and Parks

Al Dhakhiliya

North Al Sharqiyah

South Al Sharqiyah

North Al Batinah

South Al Batinah

Musandam

Al Buraimi

Al Dhahira

Al Wusta

Total

126

Total new issued permits

government

agricultural

Tourist

Industrial

Residential Commercial Residential Commercial

13136

405

401

546

592

267

10919

2010

19077

392

430

550

814

327

16558

2011

25015

345

728

575

950

326

22085

2012

22329

548

777

582

973

332

19113

2013

21498

1199

869

623

881

328

17594

2014

Year

Property Enumeration and Evaluation Property Enumeration and Evaluation Committee was formed in accordance with Royal Decree No. (64/78) which is concerned with Property expropriation for the public interest and which has been modified by the issuance of Royal Decree No. (75/87). The Committee members include representatives from government agencies, the Wali or his representative at the site of the property, one of ‫اﻟﺒﻄﺎﻗﺎت‬ the region`s main figures nominated by the Wali and a representative of the Chamber of ‫اﻟﺼﺤﻴﺔ‬ ‫اﻟﺒﻠﺪﻳﺔ اﻟﺼﺎدرة‬ ‫ﺗﺮاﺧﻴﺺ‬ ‫اﻟﻌﺎم‬ ‫ﻟﻠﻌﺎﻣﻠﻴﻦ ﻓﻲ ا ﻧﺸﻄﺔ اﻟﻐﺬاﺋﻴﺔ‬ ‫ﻟﻤﺼﺎﻧﻊ وﻣﺤﻼت ا ﻧﺸﻄﺔ اﻟﻐﺬاﺋﻴﺔ‬ Commerce and Industry. In line with the mandate given to it in the Royal Decree, the Committee undertakes the inventory, evaluation and assessment 18356 2010by the construction of of compensation for property 22033 and premises outside the governorate of Muscat that are affected 26975 2011 and premises taken development projects. The task is carried out in accordance with the22479 principles of evaluation of lands over for public interest, issued 35169 by the Supreme Committee for Town Planning. 29296 2012 The evaluation of the worth of property and assessment of compensation processes are preceded by a series of procedures 30667 28414 2013 guaranteed by law for the owners of property and premises expropriated. The property owners are also granted the right to 31828 28363 2014 object and appeal against decisions of the Committee. 20936 18289 2015 �� By the end of property evaluation and compensation assessment process, the party responsible for the project, deposits the compensation amount estimated by the committee to the owner`s account.

governmental

domestic

3,210

3,778

3,451

4,797

4,204

3,974

2,554 5,833

3,784 4,424

7,419

2,468

2010 2011 719,234 Health Control and wastewater 2012 634,070 2013 658,427 2014 789,892 663,695 mid-2015 740,143

Food inspection The ministry has attached great importance to the safety and quality of food through its directorates located in the governorates. Such directorates carry out daily follow-up to the compliance of rules and regulations in force regarding food and apply the penalties on violators who practice commercial fraud which is easily detected today by technologies and devices used by the ministry. That devices contributed to facilitate the inspectors’ duties, along with the role of the Food and Water laboratories Center and the subordinate laboratories in governorates in examination of samples and ensure their suitability for consumption. During the period from 2010 until mid-2015, the total number of violations that has been issued is (56,988) , while the number of warnings reached to (40,060). Besides, (66,948) minutes were issued and (4327) shops were closed by The number of animals slaughtered in slaughterhouses and meat was damaged in shops per kilo gram the municipal bodies. Meat has been damaged in shops per kg

animals meat has been damaged in slaughterhouses(Number)

Total damage

Partial damage (kg)

No of animals slaughtered in slaughterhouses

Number of Municipal license& Health cards that has been issued 2010- 2014 Health cards for workers in the food activities

Municipal license issued to food factories and shops

22033 26975

18356

Year

96,500,50

1,202

35,844,00

144,898

2010

43,971,00

477

27,854,00

148,023

2011

53,438,80

562

30,620,00

184,175

2012

50,775,00

1,598

25,741,25

200,319

2013

40,967,13

2,578

41,628,00

309,991

2014

30,160,20

1,172

31,267,00

225,675

mid2015

Number of violations that has been issued 2010- mid 2015

Municipal licenses and health cards Municipal licenses include various activities of food, industrial, commercial and professional facilities and health cards for workers. From the period of 2010 until mid-2015, about (145,197) municipal license and (167,608) health cards for workers were issued by the municipal bodies in different wilayats.

35169 30667

Year

22479

2010 2011

28363 18289

2014 mid-2015

2012 2013

29296 28414

31828 20936

Veterinary control The Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources is Keen to build an integrated veterinary health system through the construction of modern slaughterhouses in regional municipalities. The ministry continues its prompt efforts to increase the numbers of slaughterhouses and maintain the existing ones. In this regard, a number of slaughterhouses in wilayats has been completed such as the two automated slaughterhouses of Buraimi, Buraimi Governorate and the slaughterhouse of Wilayat Dhank, Al Dhahira Governorate as. Additionally, two slaughterhouses are in progress, one is in Wilayat Al Mudhaibi, Governorate of North Al Sharqia and another in Wilayat Masira, Governorate of South Major new issued building permits Al Sharqiya. Moreover, the work is in progress to construct a slaughterhouse in Wilayat Nakhal, South Al Batinah Total new Residential Governorate, and a slaughterhouse in Wilayat Liwa, North Al Batinah Governorate; increasing the number Year of the Tourist Industrial Residential government agricultural Commercial issued permits Commercial slaughterhouses to 45. 13136

405

19077

392

25015

345

401

546

592

No.430of slaughterhouses 6 550 814 728

575

950

267

10919

2010

327

16558

2011

326

22085

2012 2013

Minutes

Warnings

Violations

Year

385 512 512 999 1,197 722

8,401 6,906 9,559 10,513 14,719 16,850

4,419 9,413 5,581 6,379 6,196 8,072

7,303 4,325 11,293 14,411 15,843 3,813

2010

South 22329 Al sharqiyah

548

North 777 Al Batinah

South 582 Al sharqiyah

973

North 332 Al Sharqiyah

19113

2011

21498

1199

881

17594

2012

623

328

2014

2013 2014 mid-2015

Al Buraimi

Musandam

‫اﻟﺒﻄﺎﻗﺎت اﻟﺼﺤﻴﺔ‬ ‫ﻟﻠﻌﺎﻣﻠﻴﻦ ﻓﻲ ا ﻧﺸﻄﺔ اﻟﻐﺬاﺋﻴﺔ‬

‫ﺗﺮاﺧﻴﺺ اﻟﺒﻠﺪﻳﺔ اﻟﺼﺎدرة‬ ‫ﻟﻤﺼﺎﻧﻊ وﻣﺤﻼت ا ﻧﺸﻄﺔ اﻟﻐﺬاﺋﻴﺔ‬

‫اﻟﻌﺎم‬

22033

18356

2010

26975

22479

2011

35169

29296

2012

30667

28414

2013

Total

Al Wusta

869

Al Dhakhiliya

Meat has31828 been

Al Dhahira

animals meat

28363

No of animals

2014

Al sharqiyah

Al Batinah

Total

Al Wusta

Al sharqiyah

Al Sharqiyah

Al Dhakhiliya

4 Health Control 8 and wastewater 8 Al Buraimi

Al Dhahira

Musandam

The total number of slaughtered animals during the period of 2010 and up to 2014 is (987.406) sacrifices. Based on examination work, (161.687.25) kg of meat was damaged partially and (6417) kg was damaged totally. The quantity of damaged meat is (285.652 0.43) kg. The total number of slaughtered animals during the first half of this year, is 225.675 sacrifices. Based on examination work, (31,267,00) kg was damaged and (1,172) kg was damaged totally. The quantity of damaged meat is (30,160,20) kg.

Number of animals slaughtered in slaughterhouses and meat was damaged in shops per kg

Meat has been damaged in shops per kg

animals meat has been damaged in slaughterhouses

No of animals slaughtered in slaughterhouses

Consumer protection Consumer protection is the basic aim of health control field. Therefore, the consumer protection section plays an active role in food controlling process and studying all issues relating to health and safety of food department. The most prominent works of this Section are: • • •

contributing in finding solutions for the problems related to the inspection of establishments. participating in studies and research on food safety. following up the results of laboratory analysis of food and water samples in coordination with the competent authorities to take legal action against violators.

Year

Total damage Partial damage (kg)

96,500,50 43,971,00 53,438,80 50,775,00 40,967,13 30,160,20

Grand total

Total

1,202 477 562 1,598 2,578 1,172

Al Ghailiyah

35,844,00 27,854,00 30,620,00 25,741,25 41,628,00 31,267,00

Al Ainiyah

Alda’odiyah

144,898 148,023 184,175 200,319 3,90991 225,675

249

501

intermittent permanent intermittent permanent intermittent permanent flow flow flow flow flow flow

126

149

169

183

Al Dhakhiliya

993

275

718

217

530

143

North Al Batinah

544

470

135

229

106

South Al Batinah

564

145

419

125

142

152

North Al Sharqiyah

282

242

128

South Al sharqiyah

Musandam

156

142

116

Al Buraimi

560

229

331

138

157

101

Al Dhahira

173

109

Muscat

239

mid-2015

Governorate

intermittent permanent ﬂow ﬂow

750

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Number of Consumer protection Circulars 2010-2014

Consumer protection Circulars

Year

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

288

Total

Wastewater projects

31 South Al Batinah

North Al Batinah

South Al Sharqiyah

North Al Sharqiyah

Al Dhakhiliya

Wastewater projects

Health Control and wastewater South Al Batinah

North Al Batinah

South Al Sharqiyah

North Al Sharqiyah

Al Dhakhiliya

Food and Water Laboratories Center The Food and Water Laboratories Center carries out the ongoing monitoring activities on food and water in order to Al Wusta Total and suitability for Dhahira Buraimi ensure its safety human consumption.Al The Center performs,Alon regular basis, the scientific Musandamlaboratory analysis of selected food and water samples to ensure its compliance with the certified health specifications. The number 64of samples that was tested 3 by the center during 5 the period from 2010 2 till 2014 is (21.924)5samples. The laboratory analysis include food samples of various types, drinking water, mineral water and treated water, along with commercial samples, microbiological analysis, organic materials analysis and analysis of metals and radioactive materials. Number of samples that was tested during the period 2010 / 2014

Preventive Health The field of preventive health is considered as an essential component to ensure health and safety of the population and environment. This field includes several aspects such as public cleanness, healthy and safe disposal of waste along with control of pollution and disease vectors. The ministry is making great efforts to maintain the cleanliness of cities and neighborhoods through the human and equipment potentials. The total amount of solid waste loads that was transported in various wilayats during the period from 2010 till 2014 is about (3.541.766) loads as well as (20.757) loads of domestic wastewater and (19.252) loads of government wastewater. During the first half of the current year, a number of (663 695) loads of solid waste has been transported, besides (2,468) and (7419) loads of domestic and government sectors wastewater respectively. Number of loads of solid waste and wastewater has been transported

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

Laboratory

276

168

258

180

324

Water General Analysis Section (Radioactive Materials Unit)

Wastewater

Cleanness

170

580

570

456

696

Water General Analysis Section (Heavy Metals Unit)

No. of wastewater loads

No. of solid waste loads

1770

2149

1937

1576

2037

Water General Analysis Section (Water Chemistry Unit)

229

106

121

129

130

Organic Analysis Section

Activities of

315

355

373

347

393

Food General Analysis Section

Food and Water

1289

1475

1065

1344

1100

Biotechnology Section

4055

4833

4324

4032

4680

Total

governmental

domestic

3,210

3,778

740,143

3,451

4,797

719,234

4,204

3,974

634,070

Laboratories

2,554 5,833

3,784 4,424

658,427 789,892

Center

7,419

2,468

663,695

Year

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 mid-2015

Combating disease carriers The Ministry, in this regard, implements a number of studies and programs that would develop the work of combating disease in wilayats. In the field of pesticides, the Ministry continuously carries out tests on pesticides that are imported via the supplied companies in the Sultanate to ensure its suitability and efficiency in the country’s climatic conditions. Recently, the ministry has purchased (9) environmentally friendly vehicles for the teams of combating disease carriers. Each vehicle is provided with an equipment for combating disease carriers that is operated according to sophisticated and enhanced economic systems, contributing to shorten the time and reduce the material cost. Such equipment combine three different spraying ways; smoke, sprinkle andand ground that are controlled The number of animals slaughtered in slaughterhouses meat sprays, was damaged in shops per kilodigitally gram according to the data. The equipment can be controlled by a remote control device. Using of such advanced machinery allows the sprays to cover large areas and keep a pace with the developments due to the speed and ease of work implementation, as well as to maintain the security levels and to avoid any effects Meat has been No of animals meat has been damaged slaughterhouses(Number) on the health of individualsanimals and community working in inthis field. Year damaged in shops per kg

Total damage

Partial damage (kg)

slaughtered in slaughterhouses

96,500,50

1,202

35,844,00

144,898

2010

43,971,00

477

27,854,00

148,023

2011

53,438,80

562

30,620,00

184,175

2012

50,775,00

1,598

25,741,25

200,319

2013

40,967,13

2,578

41,628,00

309,991

2014

30,160,20

1,172

31,267,00

225,675

mid2015

Health Control and wastewater

2013

2014

288

Total

Wastewater projects

Wastewater projects The ministry has given extensive attention to wastewater projects because of its great importance in public health and environment safety. The Law on Conservation of the Environmental and Prevention of Pollution issued by Royal Decree No. 114/2001 and the Law on Protection of Drinking Water Sources from Pollution issued by Royal Decree No. (115/2001) represent the legal frameworks of legislations that regulate wastewater management in safe ways. On Wednesday, July 15th , 2015, the ministry and Oman Wastewater Services Company “Haya Water” signed an agreement under which the management, operation and maintenance of wastewater facilities of the ministry was assigned to the company for five years. Assets of these owned facilities are evaluated and the semi-annual reports are followed-up by the ministry through developing a national strategy and integrated plan to prepare the studies, designs, constructions and developments. It is worth mentioning that the number of stations established by the ministry in this sector from the beginning of the fourth five-year plan till now reached to 64 stations of different capacities ranging between (100-7200) cubic meters / day.

South Al Batinah

North Al Batinah

South Al Sharqiyah

North Al Sharqiyah

Al Dhakhiliya

Total

Al Wusta

Al Dhahira

Al Buraimi

Musandam

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

Laboratory

276

168

258

180

324

Water General Analysis Section (Radioactive Materials Unit)

170

580

570

456

696

Water General Analysis Section (Heavy Metals Unit)

1770

2149

1937

1576

2037

Water General Analysis Section (Water Chemistry Unit)

229

106

121

129

130

Organic Analysis Section

Activities of

315

355

373

347

393

Food General Analysis Section

Food and Water

1289

1475

1065

1344

1100

Biotechnology Section

Laboratories

4055

4833

4324

4032

4680

Total

Center

Municipal regulations

Water Resources

Water is “a national wealth” which signified by the keenness of His Majesty the Sultan “Qaboos bin Said - may Allah protect him -”, his patronage and continuous attention to highlight it since the beginning of the renaissance; which represents the core pillar of the establishment and development of the Sultanate. The water resources in the Sultanate attains a great interest starting from the launch of the modern Omani renaissance. In this context, the Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources is continuing its efforts for the development, evaluation and management of water resources through many water studies and development projects. Water resources in the Sultanate consists of two main types; the conventional water resources (natural) which include surface and groundwater which represent about (84%). The second type is non-conventional water resources which include desalinated water and the treated wastewater; form about 16%.

Conventional Water Resources Surface water Rain is the main water source in the Sultanate of Oman. In the northern areas, it rains during the winter months (November-April) and during the summer it falls in the form of thunderstorm. In the south of Oman, rains is subject to both during the summer period as a result of the monsoon (June-September). The rainfall rate ranges from less than (50) mm in deserts, to (50) mm in plains and (200) mm in mountains. The average of the overall rainfall in the Sultanate is estimated at (15.8 billion cubic meters of water) annually; 79% of which about evaporates (12.5 billion cubic meters of water) and the rest flow as surface water and some infiltrate directly to the underground reservoirs about (1.32 billion cubic meters of water). The average water deficit in the various governorates of the Sultanate of about (316 million cubic meters).

Water Resources

Groundwater The groundwater is the main source of water that meet the different needs and it is a strategic stockpile to be used in times when the surface water is not available. The estimated water amount that recharges the renewable aquifers at the Sultanate level is about 1318 million cubic meters annually. These underground sources are utilized as dug wells in the water-bearing layers. Data from wells inventory project indicates that the total number of wells in the Sultanate is about (144 119), dispersed in various Omani Governorates. Inventoried wells can be classified to three types: - Open wells (large diameter) - Drilled well (small diameter) -Both classes together (drilled well and an opened well).

Aflaj & Springs

No. of slaughterhouses Aflaj

South Al sharqiyah

North Al Batinah

South Al sharqiyah

North Al Sharqiyah

Al Dhakhiliya From ancient times, the Sultanate relies on Aflaj system in irrigation. Aflaj are water channels with sources from a gap situated at a high place in the rock layer, from which the channels extend a distance reaching arable lands. There are three types of Aflaj in the Sultanate (Alda’odiyah, Al Ghailiyah and Al Ainiyah). There are about 4112 Aflaj in Oman; 1095 of which flow intermittently, while 3017 flow permanently 956. UNESCO has included five Omani Aflaj in the World Heritage List; they are AlGaili in Sur, Al Maisar in Al Rusaq, Dares in Nizwa, Al Malki in Izki and AL Khatmain in Nizwa. Al Buraimi Total Al Wusta Musandam Al Dhahira

Aflaj projects

The Ministry; during the past period, has worked on the rehabilitation and maintenance of Aflaj, drilling of assisting wells and maintenance of the water springs as an important factors in improving those Aflaj and wells streams and consequently lead to their proper exploitation, whether in agricultural or industrial activities. During the period (2010 to mid-2015) various governorates witnessed the maintenance work of (1046) projects, through (1284) Aflaj and assistant wells and help according to their priorities, after doing technical and field studies in them. Meat has been damaged in shops per kg

Water Springs

animals meat has been damaged in slaughterhouses

No of animals slaughtered in slaughterhouses

Year

The importance of water springs as a basic water sources of wealth in the Sultanate vary by the quality of its waters. (kg)amounts that falls on the country. They range beTotal damage They are; as any other water sources, influenced byPartial the damage rainfall tween warm and cold, and between fresh potable and brackish water. The average amounts of flowing water from 96,500,50 1,202 35,844,00 amount of144,898 2010 the cold ones is about warm springs is about (8) million gallons per day, and the average water flowing from 43,971,00 477 27,854,00 148,023 2011 Al-Rustaq, Althawarah 15 million gallons per day. The most famous springs in the Sultanate are Al Kasfa in Wilayat in Wilayat Nakhal and Al Arzat in Wilayat Salalah. The ministry seeks to develop the most water spring and optimal 53,438,80 562 30,620,00 184,175 2012 utilization through the maintenance and use of water facilities to be frequenting the citizens and residents, as well as, 50,775,00 1,598 25,741,25 200,319 2013 to raise awareness of the importance water resources and conservation among attendees of these areas.The ministry 40,967,13 2,578 utilization 41,628,00 2014use of water facilities to seeks to develop the most water spring and optimal through the 3,90991 maintenance and 1,172as, to raise 31,267,00 mid-2015 30,160,20 be frequenting the citizens and residents, as well awareness of225,675 the importance water resources and conservation among attendees of these areas. Aflaj statistics at the Governorate and regional levels Grand total

Total

Al Ghailiyah

Al Ainiyah

Alda’odiyah

Governorate

intermittent permanent ﬂow ﬂow

249

501

intermittent permanent intermittent permanent intermittent permanent flow flow flow flow flow flow

126

149

169

183

Al Dhakhiliya

993

275

718

217

530

143

North Al Batinah

544

470

135

229

106

South Al Batinah

564

145

419

125

142

152

North Al Sharqiyah

282

242

128

South Al sharqiyah

Musandam

156

142

116

Al Buraimi

560

229

331

138

157

101

Al Dhahira

239

173

109

Muscat

750

Aflaj inscribed in the World Heritage List

Dares Falaj: Falaj Dares id located in Wilata Nizwa, under the versant of Jabal Al Akhdhar mountain. It is one of the famous Daudi Aflaj in the Sultanate and the largest flaj in Al Dakhiliya Governrate. It flow to more than 2000 liters / sec and the electrical conductivity of the Falaj water reaches to (477 microseconds Smenz / cm) and pH = (7.3). Falaj Dares has two Saeids (arms), and its length up until the total length of the Falaj Shari’a is (7990) meters. Nizwa Fort is the most important monuments of the site. In addition, there are a number of mosques, the most important is (Nizwa Mosque). The area is also famous for its old market.

Al Khattmain Falaj:

In July 2006, the World Heritage Committee of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in its thirtieth meeting, held in the Republic of Lithuania the inscription of five Omani aflaj within the World Heritage list. It is an expression of the international standing of this unique water system which is inherited culturally and created by Omanis since more than two thousand years. The system is the oldest irrigation engineering in the region and still the main source of irrigation water in the Sultanate. It is a water supplying method that is relied on by most of the towns and villages of Oman. These five matchless Aflaj are: Falaj Dares in Wilayat Nizwa, Falaj Al Khatmain in Niyabat Birkat Al Moz in Wilayat Nizwa, Falaj Al Malki in Wilayat Izki, Falaj Al Maisar in Wilayat Al Rustaq and Falaj Al Ghailah in Wilayat Sur. The reason for their inscription is their distinguish old structure of water canals that carried by bridges and the old engineering through which Aflaj are excavated to access underground water reservoirs. Currently it requires exorbitant amounts and sophisticated techniques to identify these aquifers.

Falaj Al Khatmain is located in Niyabat Birkat Al Moz in Wilayat Nizwa. It is a Daudi flaj of Al Dhakhiliya Gvernorate. Its peak flow is up to 2,000 l / s. The electrical conductivity of the Falaj water is about (440 Maikarosmonz / cm) and pH = (7.61). The total length of the falaj from the mother falaj to Al Shari’a is about 2450 meters. The falaj has no arms and the most important wadie that feeds the Falaj is Al Me’aidin Wadie, which flows from the versant of Jabal Al Akhdhar mountain.The Ya’ariba Mosque is one of the historic landmarks in Birkat Al Moz. It was built by Imam Sultan bin Saif bin Malik Al Ya’aribi. Additionally, there is Bait Al Ridaidah Fort (1649 - 1711 m), another important historical monuments of Birkat Al Moz.

Al Malki Falaj: Falaj Al Malki is a Daudi flaj and located in Wilayat iski, Al Dhakhiliya Governorate. It is one of the oldest Aflaj in the governorate and the largest aflaj in the Sultanate in terms of the Al Sawa’id (arms), which reach to 17. It is the longest Falaj at the governorate level where the total length of the arms are 14875 meters. Its name is attributed to Malik bin Faham Al Azdi. The main Archaeological and tourist attractions in the site are the two old district; Nizar and Al Yemen, in addition to the Ghar Jirnan.

Al Maisar Falaj Al Maisar Falaj is located in Alallayh district in Wilayat Al Rustaq in the Governorate of South Al Batina. It is one of the Daudi deep Aflaj, where reaches a depth of about 50 meters below ground level. Its total length from Falaj mother and a sharia is about 5783 meters. It is characterized by its purity, while the electrical conductivity reaches to 508 Macrosamenz / cm and pH (7.61). It flows up to about 900 liters / sec during high water levels while the flow reduces to less than 100 l / s during low water levels. Al Rustaq Castle is one of the most important tourist attractions and archaeological in the site.

Al Ghailah Falaj Al Ghailah Falaj is an Aini Falaj and it is located in AlGhilah village of Niyabat Tiwi in Wilayat Sur in South Al Sharqiya Gvernorate. The length of its canal is 161 meters. It is characterized by its rise from the solid rocky area of limestone rocks. The falaj is known for its pure water, the electrical conductivity of water 378 Macrosamenz / cm and pH (7.87).

43 mid-2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

Governorate

282

242

128

South Al sharqiyah

Musandam

156

142

116

Al Buraimi

560

229

331

138

157

101

Al Dhahira

Water licenses

Total number of applications

half of 2015

2014

2013

Water licenses 13 12 21 109 32 52 66 173 239 Muscat During the period 2010 to mid-2015, the total number of licenses issued in the various governorates of the Sultanate of different uses were (23865). Most licenses issued focused in the licenses of wells deepening, wells replacing and drilling of new ones.

354

146

159

Water licenses during the period 2010 to mid-2015

149

mid-2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

Governorate

127

241

633

1053

774

Al Dhakhiliya

1343

2854

1492

113

145

147

161

184

South Al sharqiyah

300

350

223

387

257

150

North Al Batinah

403

518

527

1177

666

1321

222

493

181

1724

1528

971

177

303

387

601

542

283

170

183

1313

2043

1802

6072

5404

North Al Sharqiyah

South Al Batinah Al Dhahira Al Buraimi

Musandam Muscat

Wells data documentation and inventory Project

Activity Applications of crushers & quarries

The Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources is implementing the second phase of data updating project for the national project of wells inventory, which complement the first phase that carried out in the governorates (Muscat, North Al Batina, Al Dakhiliya and Al Buraimi). As the national project of wells inventory has provided important data that had a significant impact in legislating water regulations and laws. They contribute considerably to theof sound Applications management of water resources in the Sultanate and assist in making the right decisions, whether water permits relandﬁll quests for wells or those related to water projects, studies and research on the water situationmaterials and water planssites and strategies.

The ministry is currently implementing the second phase of wells data documenting project in the governorates (Musandam, South Al Batina, North Al Sharqiya, South Al Sharqiya, Al Dhahirah, Al Wustaa, Dhofar), which is going on in the final stages and to be completed by the end of 2015, Allah willing. The project aims to update and save the Applications ofdata of all the wells in the Sultanate within its present updated image and link it with the water resources database; with fuel stations their different types, distribution and use. The project will explain present and true picture of the existing wells in the Sultanate and the access of the decision makers the water researchers to the new data. In addition, making sure of the total number of wells, their distribution in the Sultanate and their status. Moreover, the project aims to determine the real exploitation of these wells (domestic, agricultural, industrial, commercial, general income, surveillance, exploratory). The project; also, illustrates the types of wells and their distribution to the Sultanate (hole, open) as well as their condition (working, non-working) and offers new data about the wells that could be used in the water resources management and assessment.

145

Statistics of wellsnumbers numbers inin Oman Statistics of wells Oman

Number of Wells

8961 8002 17746 13606 937 18738 46685 8124 14545 3524 3871 144739

Governorate

.No

Muscat Al Buraimi Al Dakhiliyah Al Dhahirah Al Wustaa S.Al Batina N.Al Batina S. Al Sharqiya N. Al Sharqiya Musandam Dhofar

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

The total number of wells

Water Resources Management

Integrated water resources management project The idea of the integrated water resources management (IWRM) has gained support and wide acceptance in many parts of the world in order to achieve the sustainable development and the allocation and monitoring of water resources through developing comprehensive water plans and strategies. The water demand management policies are among the main mechanisms through which the integrated water resources management is implemented practically. That management uses mechanisms and multiple choices, to manage water demand, which is as follows: • Increase of the efficiency and productivity of water use in various sectors, to achieve the highest levels of services and economic output per unit of used water. • Increase of the effectiveness of water allocation through the reallocation of water uses. • Encouragement of using the treated or recycled water in different purposes. • Preparation and development of a joint pilot project in water management in the study area. • implementation of a simulation model for water resources in the study area. • Involvement of all segments of society in the preservation of water resources (legislative institutions and units, the beneficiaries of water, and economic and industrial institutions), to achieve the desired objectives in order to maintain and develop water resources. • Deployment of water awareness among members of the community through seminars and programs for water users in the study area. The wide and rapid pace of urbanization represents a strong challenge in the application of the integrated management of water resources in the Sultanate. Such challenge is a continuation of the efforts in the field of water conservation, and the inevitability of a balance between the available water resources, and the requirements of other sectors for the implementation of development projects. Therefore, the Sultanate’s government represented by the Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources considered the need to adopt the integrated water resources management project in collaboration with the Dresden University of Technology in German. Also with the participation of a number of government bodies, such as the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs, the Sultan Qaboos University, and private institutions, as well as the Oman farmers associations. A technical team was formed, after recieving the necessary training, to work on the project. The project provides opportunities to reduce poverty and improve the overall agricultural productivity and sustainability in those systems, in order to help and contribute to the fulfillment of these requirements and address these challenges. This study focuses on the impact of water on food and environmental security, and aims to provide a basis for policies in order to identify the priorities and research activities for the sake of facing the degradation and reducing its impact on household food security and the loss of other ecosystem services.

Arab G-Wadi Water Scarcity is a major challenge for the sustainable development of the Arab countries. Climate change exerts more stress on the sustainable water management in most areas of the Arab region. Lack of capacities for development and implementation of water action plans and strategies also exists. Accordingly, the water security of the Arab region is threatened and correspondingly affecting the food security and regional security of the whole region. The existence of water resources actions plans and strategies at national levels is not available in all Arab countries. Climate change should be mainstreamed in water resources management in all action plans and strategies. Most probably, the existing/available water resources management strategies did not include possible climate change impacts due to the lack of accurate estimations of the climate change impacts and studies on the water resources at national levels. A new cooperation platform between UNESCO Cairo and GIZ entitled: “Transformative capacity building for water security in response to water scarcity of the Arab region and adapting to climate change and climate variability” is under investigation and preparation. It aims at strengthening capacities for water security through formulation and implementation of adequate water resources management strategies and action plans at country and regional levels taking into consideration the possible climate change impacts on the water resources of the Arab region. This cooperation is expected to deliver/produce “Capacity building toolkit on Water resources management strategies and action plans formulation”.

Dams

Dams The dam is a geometric construction built on wadie r low land to block water. Dams are the oldest aquatic construction known to man and usually classified according to their forms and materials used in their construction and the goals that were built for. Because of the limited water resources in the Sultanate, the Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources has made great efforts to enhance these resources and develop their sources; through the construction all types and sizes of dams. Dams contribute significantly in providing and securing the various uses; domestic, agricultural and industrial, through maximum utilization of water flooding from the wadies that are usually wasted in the sea or the desert. Therefore, water is blocked inside these dams to be discharged later in a manner that ensures its optimal exploitation and to ensure the sustainability and survival for a longer period.

Water monitoring

Monitoring data are the essential foundation for all aspects of development projects, where all the fields overlap in, ranging from building and construction, health, agriculture, transport, housing, roads and defense areas. Additionally, monitoring data contributes to the preparation of water studies and research, which aims to assess the development and management of water resources. As a result of the ministry’s sought to establish a hydrometric network based on scientific principles and covers all regions of the Sultanate, the total monitoring points within the network reached to (2646) in 1990, while in the beginning of 2015 the total number of the monitoring points were (4692 stations). Water monitoring stations The number of hydrometric monitoring stations are (4692), including the gauging stations for rainfalls, wadies flows, Aflaj and dams streams, and measuring groundwater levels along with the changes in its salinity. The ministry has provided the stations with rainfall and wadies flows measuring devices. In addition to the automatic devices to measure groundwater levels in some of them. Some of these stations are operated remote surveillance system through data transferring technique by using the World Wide Web mobile.

Water monitoring stations Types Rainfall stations

The rainfall gauging stations in the Sultanate are about 315 station. These stations have been sited to cover all the topographical areas such as the plains, mountains and coastal areas. The ministry has worked to modernize this network considerably and extensively since the beginning of the nineties to cover all the governorates of the Sultanate and serve different projects of water basins assessment.

The wadies flows are the most important aquifer recharge sources in the Sultanate. Generally, their flow rates continue for several days and a few hours depending on the amount of rainfall and the hydrological and hydrogeological properties of each wadie. The Wadie flow and flood gauging network in the Sultanate includes (135) station to measure the flow of runoff volumes. Additionally, a number of (26) stations to measure the height of the floods flows occur the various governorates of the Sultanate.

Measuring Aflaj and Springs flows

The Sultanate is characterized by the natural and geometric water distribution system that does not rely on the known energy system methods. It is the so-called Aflaj. In the field of Aflaj monitoring, the surveillance and studies departments in the governorates monitor (524) falaj of the total number of (3017) falaj; existing in various governorates of the Sultanate .As the flow and water quality monitoring in more than about (65) in kind distributed over the various governorates of the Sultanate especially near the mountains of northern Oman and Dhofar Mountains parts.

The government represented by the Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources pays a great attention to monitors and develop the groundwater resources and their water levels through the dug wells. In addition to, checking their quality and quality, as the ministry has a number of (2107) monitoring wells in distributed in various governorates of the Sultanate. Moreover, there are exploratory wells that used to know the geological layers as well as the quality and quantity of the available water.

Climate stations

Monitoring wells

The Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources has established 5 Climate stations, one in South AL Batina, two in Al Sharqiyah North and South Governorates and two in Dhofar governorate. Through these stations rainfall, temperature, relative humidity and the barometric pressure are scaled. In addition, the scaling of the wind speed and direction along with the amount of sunlight.

The ministry has monitored the constant changes in the salinity increasing rates in some areas that are vulnerable to salinity. It is carried out through periodic monitoring program every five years to measure the salinity of groundwater wells, which reach to (1150) in Al Batinah plain and about 300 wells Salalah plain.

Monitoring Lagoons

Monitoring wadies flow

Monitoring groundwater salinity in the coastal areas

The ministry concerned with monitoring the lagoons by monitoring water quality and changes therein in addition to the measurement of the water level.

Evaluation Water Resources Projects

During the past five years, several exploration programs and water resources evaluations have been implemented in the various governorates of the Sultanate. These programs have led to the discovery of a number of aquifers that allowed the implementation of several water supply projects, of which the most important are: The project of strengthening the availability of water in the Sultanate (2011-2015) The project is being implemented in cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency and with the participation of the ministry and the Office of peaceful nuclear technology at the Foreign Ministry, Sultan Qaboos University and the PDO. The project aims to assess the groundwater by using the Environmental isotope technique. Such studies contribute now routinely in completing geochemical and hydrogeological studies, as this technique provides a more accurate chemical analyzes specially for identifying the origin, age and causes of water salinity. Additionally, they determine the climatic conditions that led to the groundwater recharge operations thousands of years ago in a particular environment. Isotopes are also used in the detection of underground water sources that are identified by available information on groundwater levels in the monitoring wells, and the chemical analysis results of these wells. The project; until the present time, included the collection of about 500 ground water samples from private wells, monitoring wells as well as Aflaj and water springs. Project of water balance updating the various governorates of the Sultanate (2012 ) The project of water balance calculation of the Sultanate is aimed t identify, estimate and update all the components of the water balance (rates of recharge, evaporation, drawdown and uses and wastage of water). The project, in general, includes the assessment and estimation of surface and underground water resources in each watershed, and estimation of the lost water size either through evapotranspiration, transpiration and flow to the sea and desert. It also includes the estimation of water use for various sectors, including the agricultural, commercial, industrial, environmental and drinking water and public uses. The results of the water balance update in the Sultanate show; through data extends for a period of up to 22 years (from the year 1985-2007), the difference of water deficit from one governorate to another. As the total water deficit amounted in the Sultanate is about 316 million cubic meters annually. The highest percentage of water deficit was recorded in North Al Batina Governorate which is about 257 million cubic meters per year, requiring the rationalization of water consumption and the search for alternative water sources. Summary of the exploratory drilling project and the modernization of the groundwater mathematic model in the plateau region The study included the implementation of the exploratory drilling and pumping test work for (7) artesian wells in the deep reservoir. The depth of wells ranged between (340-612 meters) and the productivity ranged between (5.5-32.1) l / s while salinity was between (1480-3210) Micro Siemens / cm. The study used some modern data through remote sensing techniques particularly Landsat satellite images in order to identify the agricultural areas. The outcomes of the study contributed to clarify the effects resulting from well fields development in the proposed areas for the agricultural development in (Hanafit, Dawkah, Bani Khutar, Metan, and Alhashman) as well as the proposed sites for the Million Date Palm Plantation Project in (Qatbait and Marmul). In addition to the calculation and assessment of water balance and groundwater stocks as well as developing recommendations to achieve a sustainable development for the long term programs of proposed uses. Taking into account the different quantitative and qualitative obstacles. The study concluded the following: ● Determination of the aquifer depths in some places more accurately and estimation of water needs for agricultural areas, has contributed to improving quantities estimates of water pumping in plateau region. ● The outcomes showed a good hydraulic connection between aquifers. That illustrates the importance of groundwater infiltration to the top, especially where the aquifer is suffering from over-pumping, and leading to the improvement of water levels. ●The outcomes indicate that the total outflows from aquifers exceeds the annual recharge rates by about 15 million m3 / year. That is consistent with the decline of groundwater levels in the monitoring wells in West areas of Hanfit, Shisir, Zinat As’sahra and Hailat Ar’rakah. ● The study showed that the proposed sites of groundwater fields in Metan, Alhashman and Dawkah is located in areas of safe groundwater for irrigation. Therefore, it is not expected to be problems in these fields in terms of water quality.

Summary of the exploratory drilling project and pumping test in the east of Al Wusta The project area: Al Wusta Region (wilayats of Mahout, Duqm and Haima The total area: Estimated at (40,000 km 2( Project period: ( 25/5/2009 to 25/5/2010) In this project, about (25) wells has been drilled. Their depths ranging between (45 m -500 m). The wells productivity is (1-43 l / s), and the rate of acidity is (6/7 to 2/9), while the electrical conductivity is (5000-100000 mS / cm ). Additionally, a geophysical monitoring and survey was carried out for all these wells. Project of drilling productive wells and establishment of earth roads for the agricultural development project in Dawkah, Dhofar Governorate. The project area: Dhofar governorate (Dowkah) Project period: (23/01/2010 - 17/04/2011) In this project, about (35) wells has been drilled. Their depths ranging between (187 m -350 m) and the productivity is (35-70 l / s), while the electrical conductivity of water is between (1406/7 to 1891 mS / cm ). Additionally, a geophysical monitoring and survey was carried out for these wells as well as pavement of earth roads with (43) km total length. The project also includes pumping tests on the drilled wells and analysis of all project data. This project comes as a continuation of the productive projects in the Sultanate. Summary of the exploratory drilling project and pumping test between Duqm and Al Jazir in Al Wusta Governorate The project area: Al Wusta Governorate (Duqm- Jazir) Project period: (23/01/2010 - 17/04/2011) In this project, about (6) wells has been drilled. Their depths ranging between (104 -360 m) and the productivity is (0.23-22 l / s), while the electrical conductivity of water is between (3960 mS / cm - 77300 mS / cm ). Additionally, a geophysical monitoring and survey was carried out for these wells. The project also includes pumping tests on (4) wells and analysis of all project data. This project comes as a continuation of the explanatory projects in the Sultanate. During 2010 to mid-2015, a number of (573) applications of drilling and wells exploitation for development projects have been studied by the Rationalization and Water Demand Section in the governorates. The applications included new wells or exploitation of existing wells for the establishment of stations for purification, filling, transport and sale of water. They also included industrial, commercial and agricultural projects.

Water Resources Sector

Planning and Development

Scientific planning is one of the basic pillars in the ministry’s work and one of the most important supporting areas of the municipal and water work system. The basic tasks of planning and development are to contribute to policy formulation and the preparation of five-year development plans, as well as other various programs and activities of all sectors of the ministry, in coordination with the concerned authorities. Additionally, it follows up their implementation, evaluation and highlight the constraints involved and suggest ways to overcome them. Moreover, the tasks include the submitting proposals and mechanisms of developing the methods of work, along with simplifying the procedures and improving the performance level of all of the ministry’s department and ensure their activation . On the other hand, it covers the planning and development functions of preparation of studies, researches, statistical surveys, and data collection, as well as the preparation of the annual and periodic reports on the various areas of the ministry functions. Planning and studies Planning and works to provide support and assistance to the various units of the ministry and participation in achieving its objectives and contributes to the publication of special scientific planning at municipal devices governorates culture. Planning and development has made a quantum leap during the last decade, through the application of the modern scientific methods in the preparation of proposals for the five-year development plans and the investment programs which include municipal and water projects and various other activities. In this context, the future vision and general objectives of the Ministry are considered as the basic pillars for the determination of the content and implications of these plans, as well as the means to identify all the challenges faced by the various sectors and propose policies and measures to counter these challenges. Additionally, the ministry follows a range of scientific indicators, objectives data and integrated field studies when developing plans and programs. The sixth, seventh and eighth five-year development plans has embodied this path, through which the ministry was able to set up various projects and development programs, according to the objective indicators, scientific data and specific and balanced priorities. In order to enhance this path, a follow up and evaluation approach has been established for the various projects and activities, as a firm base in the planning and development system. Due to the importance of this aspect in monitoring the obstacles that hinder the progress of the projects implementation, along with furnishing the means of overcoming them, to ensure the achievement of the adopted goals. On the other hand, in the framework of the statistical data provision and documentation of all the ministry’s achievements in the last decade, planning and development issues annual reports include the achievements of the municipal sector and water resources, as well as the achievements of the supporting areas and the Municipalities and Water Resources month. Moreover, statistics witnessed a remarkable development on the level of data collection, analysis, classification and their provision to the various departments of the ministry. I n this context, comprehensive and diversified databases are prepared and updated periodically.

Human Resource Development The ministry is keen to raise and improve the level of performance and the development of practical skills for its employees at the Ministry’s headquarter, the Directorates General and the municipalities in the governorates. Given the importance of the human element and its leading role in serving and building his community, in this regard the Human Resources Development Center of the ministry offers a number of rehabilitation programs for employees through the studying missions and the varied training programs within and outside the Sultanate. , has seen The past few years, from 2011 until 2014, the ministry offered (305) scholarship for its employees to study in various degrees of them; (233) employees studied inside the Sultanate and (72) employees studied abroad. With regards to the number of training programs; during the period from 2010 - the first half of 2015, it has reached to (1378) training program, among which (1185) were internal program and (193) were external. While the number of beneficiaries of these programs was (13293) employees; (12688) employees have benefited from internal programs and (605) employees were sent for external programs. Number of training programs from 2010 until mid-2015 Total Total

External programs External programs

Internal programs Internal programs

year year

295 295 199 199 318 318 194 194 264 264 1082015 1082015 1378 1378

39 39 30 30 39 39 38 38 40 40 7 7 193 193

256 256 169 169 279 279 156 156 224 224 101 101 1185 1185

2010 2010 2011 2011 2012 2012 2013 2013 2014 2014

mid 2015 mid 2015 Total Total

Number of participants in the training programs from 2010 until mid-2015 Total Total

External programs External programs

Internal programs Internal programs

year year

2295 2295 1739 1739 3669 3669 1952 1952 2386 2386 1252 1252 13293 13293

72 72 55 55 96 96 151 151 216 216 15 15 605 605

2223 2223 1684 1684 3573 3573 1801 1801 2170 2170 1237 1237 12688 12688

2010 2010 2011 2011 2012 2012 2013 2013 2014 2014 mid 2015 mid 2015 Total Total

11 November 2015

Planning and Development Roadmap of E-Transformation Projects in the ministry The ministry’s e-government application The ministry has extended its approach in updating their internal systems to go in line with the e-government application. It succeeded in the first phase that practically represented by the project “computerization of municipal work “. It is a transition phase towards accessing the e-government through an integrated electronic shift. It based on the provision and the creation of an integrated halls in each municipality under the name of “Injaz” to provide all municipal and water services in an integrated and unified framework that combines modern technology, the speed fulfillment and eased procedures. These halls were established in all regional governorates and municipalities; provided with all the basic necessities to employ them. The ministry developed a comprehensive plan for the implementation of e-government application requirements and achieve the national objectives of this regard and within a clear time frame. The includes five core areas, as the following: • Governance of information and communication technology use. • Provide high-quality services. • Efficiency and effectiveness. • Commitment to using information and communication technology as an approach to service delivery. • The continued institutional development to ensure improved services and various business processes.

11 November 2015

Governance of information and communication technology use Concerned with providing guidance and controls to ensure the successful transformation of e-government through setting priorities and budgets that are appropriate to the requirements of information and communication technology and the technology Projects in general. Where the project follow-up team has been strengthened with a number of specialists distributors within four teams, namely, (management change and procedures improvement, mail content service itegrating teams). Provide high-quality services

11 November 2015

to ensure their continuous running of the municipal and water licenses as well as other systems. The completion of the consultancy study project to upgrade the electronic systems of the ministry in order to inventory and document its current status and propose future status of achieving of the application of e-government approach. Additionally, to contribute to the development of municipal and water works systems through the use of advanced technologies and improve the quality and quantity of service level. The beneficiaries will be provided with the services through electronic network (the Internet) and through smart phone applications. Moreover, the services will be provided across the Raffd supporting offices (Sanad) available in all the wilayats and by consulting offices, while paying financial charges by electronic payment gateway; contributing to the speed of completion of those transactions, simplification of procedures and enabling auditors to know the status of their transactions. Thereby, the applicants are not required to attend the service providing site. Currently, the ministry is implementing a number of (6) IT projects; among the projects contained in the roadmap plan for the Strategy of Information Technology at the ministry’s in accordance with the following: 1) Project of providing the municipal and water systems licenses It includes various municipal, health and water licenses and link them with the geographic information system, along with establishing an online portal to be the single interface to all licenses and internal services of the Ministry. In addition, implementing customer relationship management system (CRM) and providing applications for the smart tablet devices to run the various licenses and services of the ministry.

[Document title]

Planning and Development

2) Project of Decision Support System (DSS) It includes mathematical equations and modeling to address the problems faced by the management of water resources and the provision of proper ways to implement the municipal projects. 3) Project of Project Management System Standardization of procedures and the centralization of management of the ministry’s project implementation. Additionally, the electronic link with electronic contradicting system, the available financial systems and integration with GIS. 4) project of Electronic Communications System The project includes the transition from manual paperwork to an electronic work for exchanging the internal correspondences that are in future linked with the current systems implemented by the Authority of documents and archives.

Efficiency and effectiveness The ministry is continuing its efforts to improve the work processes in order to provide quality electronic services. Through which the procedures that are followed in the implementation, simplifying and development of the basic tasks are reviewed, to reduce the required time needed to complete the service and ensure the provision of high quality online services. In this regard, more than 180 procedures of services and licenses are improved. It included more than 700 procedures. Additionally, it completed a number of (12) terms and conditions brochures to carry out the IT projects that updates the technological systems and applications, along with rehabilitation of internal network infrastructure and the security of electronic information. Moreover, the administrative and technical employees were provided with official mailing addresses that associated with the general scope defined for the ministry (mrmwr.gov.om) to be used to communicate with the beneficiaries of the ministry’s services and to connect officially with the government agencies and the related foreign entities.

5) The project to updating the infrastructure of internal networks and information security Updating the equipment of the central data room in the ministry’s headquarter and the networking rooms in various governorate. Additionally, Setting up the security controls that ensure the full protection of the accounts for the employees’ and beneficiaries of the ministry’s services, as well as the security of the internal network and interconnection lines. 6) Project of Constructing the Disaster recovery room (DR) The project deals with the first phase of establishing the disasters recover room by saving copies of all the ministry’s data and information in the data room of Information Technology Authority. The second phase will include providing additional network linking lines to enhance the connection between the ministry’s headquarter and the various municipal sites.

Commitment to using information and communication technology The ministry became committed to taking measures to expand the areas of the use of information and communication technology and to work on activating the communication method with the beneficiaries of the services as a government service unit. Additionally, the ministry is committed to the principles of information and communication technology defined by the Information Technology Authority; related to the service of hosting the website of the ministry. The Ministry is currently hosted in Omantel Company and work is in process to take measures for hosting data center of the Information Technology Authority. Moreover, the application of e-government technical standards is in progress, with the consideration of the best practices of buying information and communication technologies and their optimal utilization and proper use. The continuous institutional development to ensure improved services and various work procedures The Ministry has reviewed the organizational structure and developed a new vision for the organizational divisions. In addition to preparing an integrated plan for the future functional requirements according to scientific criteria and indicators, along with and developing the appropriate mechanisms for determining the basic requirements of the plans and programs of rehabilitation and training. E-services portal «enjaz« The ministry has launched the identity of e-services portal “ enjaz “. This slogan has been chosen to be an extension of enjaz halls in the regional municipalities that formed an outlet to provide the ministry’s different services. The slogan reflects the desire for renewal and making a distinguished mark to gain more confidence of the service beneficiaries.

Planning and Development

Quality Management System In response to the directives of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said - may Allah protect him – for the need to raise the level of performance and to provide quality services to the beneficiaries, the ministry has been keen to develop the work system in its various sectors through its varied projects and programs. Among them is the quality management system, which has been launched in 2012 through several different stages, and yielded results in for the ministry in 2015 the obtaining of the international accreditation certificate ISO 9001: 2008. The ministry started establishig the system in the ministry’s headquarters and the Directorate General of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources in North Batinah Governorate and Suwaiq Municipality. In addition, it established in the Directorate General of Regional Municipalities and water resources in Al Buraimi governorate and Al Buraimi municipality, as well as in the Directorate General of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources in the South East Governorate and the Sur Manicipality.

Excellent Employee Award (Competence - Dedication – Initiative) In pursuit of the Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources towards paying attention to the human resources and working to develop their job performance level to achieve the vision of the ministry, it launched the competition of the excellent employee award to reward ministry excellent employees with competence, dedication and the initiative in the various functional levels. It is an appreciation to them for their efforts in the work performance, motivation to be more dedicated and encouragement to present the ideas and visions that achieve the principle of competition and innovation in the work. The excellent employee is selected according to specific conditions. The Ministerial Decree No. 283/2013 was issued to explain all the criteria which should be adhered to in this regard. According to the latest Statistics, the total number of honorees in 2014 reached to 660 (six hundred and sixty-employees) with various vocational, executive and leadership levels in the ministry and its Directorate general, as well as the assistance, craft and labor classes from directorate general in governorates.

Objectives •Contribute to the achievement of the vision, mission, general goals and the strategic plans of the Ministry •develop indicators to measure the achievement of the ministry’s objectives •boost confidence and improve and develop the relationship with the beneficiaries of the services provided by the ministry •simplification and development of work procedures and implementing them in better methods in order to improve performance and achieve the required efficiency •documenting procedures and action mechanisms •optimum employment of human and the available financial resources

Award Objectives •Strengthen the institutional values and raise the sense of responsibility through implanting the principle of loyalty and belonging to the career. •Consolidate the principle of self-censorship. •Raise competition to enhance the efficiency of the provided services. •Improve working conditions to improve employee productivity. •Encourage employees to the initiative and creativity at work •Quality assurance in the providing the services

Stages and results 2011: Diagnosing and choosing the field of conformity, preparation and selection of external and internal support team - sessions in collaboration with the Ministry of Civil Service on the ISO 9001: 2008 2012: Media campaign (Circulating the project phases and the quality policy( 2013: Formation the structure of quality management system (Quality Council, the Supreme Committee representative, the quality Committee, quality Department, quality development team). 2012-2014 : The organization of an external program included theory subject, applications and field visits to governmental and non-governmental institutions and bodies that applied quality management system. 2012-2015 Implementation of training programs for members of the quality team – beginning in documenting the quality management system. 2014: Internal audit - a review of the higher administration and follow-up corrective and improving actions – carrying out a questionnaire on the beneficiaries’ saticfaction for the municipal and water services in Al Buraimi, Sur and Al Suwaiq municipalities. 2015: Obtaining the international accreditation certificate ISO 9001: 2008.

The basic criteria for determining the excellent employee Competency/ the employee ability to recruit its skills, behaviors and knowledge to achieve the ministry’s goals and get the highest performance levels. Contested by those who are able to achieve proficiency standards in performance in general, and in accordance with this standard all staff in various functional levels of those who have achieved the General Terms and controls for the nomination are nominated. In addition to the staff obtain higher scientific qualifications (master’s and doctoral degrees at a rate of not less than very good) in the year honors. Dedication / Working continuously with dedication and sincerity; by self-motivated values and principles. The award includes pensioners ho reach the age of (60) years in the year of honor as well as those who spent (30) years in the service. Initiative/ Ability to continuously provide developmental ideas and proposals. The award contested by all self-motivated employees who contributed to the work development through ideas, projects or studies, along with contributing to resolve some of the work challenges.

Community partnership

The Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources is keen to strengthen municipal and water awareness, and provide community members with various knowledge and information of the ministry work. The ministry aims to raise awareness among citizens of the provided services and information to take advantage of them according to a specific approach. Besides, emphasizing the importance of partnership community. Awareness activities The awareness and information programs carried out by the regional municipalities play vital role in the promotion of Municipal and water awareness in society through organizing seminars, competitions, exhibitions and distribution of the ministry’s publications. In addition to celebrating the municipal and water events and arranging the labor camps accompanied by awareness campaigns . Awareness activities 2010-2014 Awareness campaigns

910 143 254 615 259 234 385 216 128 3144

2014

Lectures and seminars

Awareness campaigns

392 451 336 235 109 182 205 173 210 142 43 26 66 143 97 108 56 62 1514 1522

680 151 165 452 194 316 233 141 55 2387

2013

Lectures and seminars

Awareness campaigns

505 550 242 176 141 189 206 184 228 149 89 27 192 135 129 128 40 45 1772 1583

535 159 113 369 154 310 329 103 71 2143

2012

2011

2010

Lectures and seminars

Awareness campaigns

Lectures and seminars

Awareness campaigns

Lectures and seminars

Region

360 421 228 182 123 186 144 168 173 188 82 51 150 176 151 131 29 42 1440 1545

369 175 105 213 194 81 251 137 117 1642

305 404 318 178 114 205 105 243 169 172 17 45 208 181 195 176 49 61 1480 1665

307 214 137 175 239 56 234 140 54 1556

203 290 384 173 109 214 115 264 190 161 12 25 192 115 185 175 34 57 1424 1474

Al Dakiliya North Al Sharqia South Al Sharqia North al Batina South Al Batina Musandam Al Buraimi Al Dhahira Al Wusta Total

Exhibitions In the framework of cooperation between the Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources and the various sectors in the Sultanate, the ministry has participated in several exhibitions inside and outside the Sultanate to highlight its role in the municipal and water sector and its services provided in various areas. Most prominent exhibitions for 2015: • •• • • • •

Building and Construction Exhibition. 8 th Municipal Exhibition in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. International Book Fair. Food Safety Exhibition. Muscat Club Gallery. Salalah Tourism Festival Exhibition.

Awareness campaigns The ministry is keen to implement awareness campaigns in different wilayats through various events; seminars, exhibitions, lectures, workshops, field visits and manuals. Some of its goals: Realizing the vision of the ministry by emphasizing community participation in maintaining achievements and projects established on the Sultanate. Some of awareness campaigns carried out by the ministry: •

Campaign of slaughter waste disposal (twice a year(

••

2013 Health control campaign (partnership - Awareness – commitment)

•

2014 Maintaining the public cleanliness campaign (Rremoving harmful things from the road is a charity(

•

2014 Conservation of water resources campaign (Conserve water, to preserve future)

•

2015 Awareness campaign to limit the illegal holdings

•

2015 Preserving public utilities campaign (Our properties are precious)

Community partnership

Press activities

Web site

The ministry implements many important activities and events including the field awareness activities. Such activities are published in local newspapers, magazines and websites in order to communicate with segments of society and make them aware of the importance of preserving and developing the gained achievements.

As a confirmation of the importance of information technology and in the framework of procedures followed by the ministry to achieve e-government, the ministry has focused on developing its website in order to offer excellent services for visitors and browsers.

Press activities 2010 - mid-2015 mid-2015

712 343 345 208 283 26 11 mid-2015 8

2014

2013

2012 2011

1255 595 847 363 580 48 39 15

826 478 469 259 375 16 12 11

660 491 414 235 302 22 19 3

2014

2013

539 468 419 307 254 34 38 6

2012 2011

2010 630 468 340 309 164 39 46 16

2010

Oman Watan Shabeiba Zemen

Royah OBSERVER TRIBUNE

TIMES OF OMAN

1255 712 630 Oman 826 660 539 595 343 468 478 491 468 Watan Radio and television activities 847 345 340 469 414 419 Shabeiba 363 309 259 235 307 Zemen Television208 and radio production mid-2015 2014 2010 2013 2012 2011 580 283 164 375 302 254 Royah The ministry aims, through television and radio production, to raise awareness among society members and stimulate 48 public 16 39 clips and 22 34 OBSERVER the various26 sectors to support services by producing purposeful awareness broadcasting them in the audio and visual aids. In39 addition to the production the achievements and activities 11106 46 ministry’s Radio 12 19 38reports on TRIBUNE 259 202 134 67of films and 167 as well as arranging radio and television meetings. 15 8 16 11 3 6 TIMES OF OMAN

163

mid-2015

2014

Television

Development &

Radio andand television activities 2010 - mid-2015 Water Program Radio television activities

2013 2012 2011 Notices via Social media

2010

106

259 134 mid-2015

67 2014167

202

163 38 57

46 113 48

22 31 27 44 46 48

Radio Television Facebook

Development & MailsProgram Water

Notices via Social media mid-2015

66 135

152 166

2014 2013 2012 292 337 350 mid-2015 316 263 359 325 263 364

General 2010 2011 248 353 2014 Al Dakiliya 184 North Al Sharqia 285 311 South Al Sharqia 370

Radio and television activities 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 Community partnership mid-2015 1255 2014 2013 2010 2012 2011 712 630 Oman 826 660 539

mid-2015

595 343 468 478 491 468 Watan 847 345 340 414 419 Shabeiba 106 259 469 202 Radio 134 67 167 363 208 309 259 235 307 Zemen Social media 28368 580 164 302 254 163 375 40 57 22 27 Royah Television 48 26 39 22 in spreading 34 OBSERVER The ministry is aware of the importance16 of social media awareness among society& members. Therefore, Development 13 46 45 48 44 48 39 network12 11 on social 19 38 YouTube,46 TRIBUNE it has created pages sites (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) order to extend the commuWaterin Program nication service 8with the society. 15 16 11 3 6 TIMES OF OMAN Notices via Social media Notices via Social media 2014 - mid-2015

Radio and television activities

mid-2015

2014

mid-2015 2014 2013 2012 2011

106

259

134

163

The Hot Line

mid-2015

113

2014

2013

2010

Facebook

167

202

Television

Development & Water Program

2012

2011

2010

Radio Mails

General

The direct dialing line of the ministry (24600700) is the link between the citizen and development services provided by 135 292 248 337 350 353 Al Dakiliya the ministry in various fields. The service contributes in enhancing the positive partnership between the ministry and 152 316 184 263 359 285 North Al Sharqia the citizen, through receiving the notices Notices on various developmental aspects of services and projects provided by the via 166 325 311 South Al Sharqia 263 364 370Social media Ministry. It proves the keenness of the citizens to follow-up and their confidence that any complaint The given to the min164 326 325 North al Batina 433 465 438 istry over this connection are subject of attention and care of the ministry’s departments. The hot line in turn forwards 169 307 240 South Al Batina 385 443 521 Hot Line mid-2015 the notices to the concerned departments to examine it2014 and take the appropriate decision to solve the causes of the 11 28 17 24 20 21 Musandam complaints and ensure that they shall not be repeated. 36 53 50 61 76 50 Al Buraimi The number of reports received by the ministry during the period from 2010 until Facebook the first half of 2015 are (10,494) 53 77 79 142 114 144 Al Dhahira notices, focused in maintaining public cleanness and the service and recreation facilities; such as amusement play10 and 18 26sculptures, 25 poles 44 and beautification 26 Al Wusta things in gardens parks, lighting as service projects Mails achieve the benefit for 1742 896 1480 1933 2235 2208 Total everyone. Additionally, increasing inspection campaigns on commercial and industrial shops, the quality and validity of food products, and the importance of preserving water resources such as the Aflaj, water springs and excavating the assistant wells.

113

Number of reports received by the ministry 2010 - mid 2015 mid-2015

135 152 166 164 169 11 36 53 10 896

2014 292 316 325 326 307 28 53 77 18 1742

2013 337 263 263 433 385 24 61 142 25 1933

2012 350 359 364 465 443 20 76 114 44 2235

2011 353 285 370 438 521 21 50 144 26 2208

General 2010 248 Al Dakiliya 184 North Al Sharqia 311 South Al Sharqia 325 North al Batina 240 South Al Batina 17 Musandam 50 Al Buraimi 79 Al Dhahira 26 Al Wusta 1480 Total

The Hot Line

Community partnership

Activities and events Municipalities and Water Resources Month The Municipalities and Water Resources Month is considered as an example for the national action. Additionally, it is a motivation to achieve the ambitions and aspirations of the community through integrating the efforts of society and municipalities to improve municipal and water services. Some of its objectives • Emphasizing the Sultanate’s role in the implementing the development projects through the concerted efforts of the concerned government bodies and private sector. • Achieving community partnership, interaction and cooperation between the municipality and citizens to enhance and develop the services provided by the municipality for the benefit of community development. • Development of practical experiences in different sectors of society through the actual practice of activities. Besides, instilling in the citizen’s minds the importance of their role in enhancing municipal and water activities. Historical origins

Food Safety Week Food Safety Week was approved to be established annually in accordance with a decision of the Ministers Council due to the importance of food for the consumer’s health and safety. The Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources organizes this week in cooperation with food concerned authorities. Some of its objectives • Raising awareness on the importance of food safety and quality among all segments of society. • Exchanging experiences and expertise with the countries, international institutions and organizations in the field of food safety. • Highlighting the supervisory role of the concerned bodies and learning about the modern techniques used in food processing. Week slogans 2014 :Together Towards Safe Food 2015:Food Safety is Concern of Each individual

Municipalities Week (1980 -1984 ) Municipalities Month (1985 – 1991) Municipalities and Environment Month (1992 -2001 ( Municipalities, Environment and Water Resources Month (2002-2006) Municipalities and Water Resources Month (starting from 2007) Month slogans 1985: Cleanliness in Next to Godliness 1986: Clean Cities Mean Clean Civilizations 1987: Our city is our great house, let us keep it clean 1988: Cleanliness and agriculture are necessities of life 1989:Water is wealth and Cleanliness is health, let us conserve them 1990: Awareness and afforestation are Cleanliness and development 1991: Removing disfigured elements is the indication of advanced society 1992: Removing disfigured elements for a clean environment 1993: Together to protect the environment 1994: Together for a clean city 1995- 2001: Together for Oman 2002- 2006: Toward Stronger Social Solidarity Starting from 2007: Continuous Efforts and Sustainable Development

Community partnership

Arab and World Water Days

Summer gathering for the Ministry`s staff children

The Sultanate participates the world countries in celebrating Arab and world water days during the month of March each year. The celebration focuses on the importance of water as a resource for life that requiring concerted efforts to conserve it and exploit it optimally.

The summer gathering for the Ministry`s staff children is an integral part of the training programs that provided annually by the Human Resources Development Center of the ministry. The center provides an excellent opportunity for the staff children to spend their summer vacation in learning new skills and programs in different areas.

held in

Some of its objectives

March 3: Arab Water Day March 22: World Water Day

• Communication between the ministry and community and involving the employee with the ministry socially. • Strengthening the institutional loyalty of the employee by linking the social environment with job environment. • Highlighting the ministry’s efforts to carry out the assigned tasks. • Instilling authentic values and knowledge development in the youths and motivating them to creativity.

Goals of participation • Shedding light on water situation in the Sultanate and highlighting the role of the government in management, development and assessment of water resources. • Focusing on promoting water awareness among community members and developing the national sense of water importance. • Supporting partnership with community members in the field of water conservation and sound management for its sustainability.

Participations

The ministry has contributed actively in the various international, regional and local events that deal with the municipal and water sectors issues. The ministry is keen to participate in these events in terms of its efforts to strengthen the areas of coordination and dealing with various bodies and exchange of experiences. In addition to the establishment of an effective partnership contributing to the development of municipal and water work elements, consolidation of modern management principles and copying with the regional and international developments in these areas. The ministry is also seeking to participate in the national capacity-building and open horizons for the administrative and technical manpower to strengthen the scientific skills and raise the level of performance. Moreover, it endeavors to serve the goals of sustainable development. The 7 Governing Board Meeting of the Regional Centre on Urban Water Management in 2010 The Sultanate participated in the 7th Governing Board meeting of the Regional Centre on Urban Water Management in the Islamic Republic of Iran during the period from 4 to 6 May 2010. The Sultanate’s participation in the center’s meetings is in line with their cooperation in various fields, including the design and management of various water structures such as dams, hydrometric monitoring stations and Aflaj. In addition to the development of computer systems , water databases and geographic information systems as well as the development of programs related to monitoring the changes in water quality in the protection well-fields and public water supply fields th

Meetings of the second session of Arab Water Ministerial Council in 2010 Oman participated in the meetings of the second session of Arab Water Ministerial Council in Cairo, Arab Republic of Egypt from 1 to 2 July 2010. The meetings addressed a number of important topics and issues in water fields that aimed at the development and management of Arab water resources in order to ensure its sustainability and realize the need to meet future water requirements. In addition to strengthening aspects of cooperation with the Arab, regional and international organizations and Arab financing institutions. Second Arab Water Forum The Sultanate participated in the 2nd Arab Water Forum, the Arab Republic of Egypt from 20 to 23 November 2011. A number of the ministry specialists participated in the forum. Generally, it aims to achieve Arab water security, which is based on important principles, such as citizen’s right to access to the basic needs of water and sanitation. Besides, achieving food security in the light of maintaining environment safety.

Sixth Session of the World Urban Forum The Sultanate participated in the Sixth Session of the World Urban Forum, in Naples, the Italian Republic during the period from 1 to 7 of September, 2012. The session dealt with a number of topics related to the global challenges of the modern city and their impact on the economies and environment of communities. For instance, legislation, urban land management, urban planning and design, urban economy, main services of cities, issues of housing, slum upgrading, risk reduction, rehabilitation and research and capacity development. In addition to the future of cities, role of institutions and regulations aimed at improving the quality of life, as well as justice, prosperity, distribution of wealth and equality of opportunities between individuals in the cities. International Exhibition on global technologies for construction and service solutions The Sultanate participated in the exhibition, which was held during the period from October 15 to 19, 2013 in Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China. The participation aimed at identifying the advanced and modern technologies and global solutions in fields of various construction and service solutions. The ministry concerned in the provision of infrastructure services such as roads, lighting, sewage stations and networks and establishment of waste disposal landfills. In addition to the development of capital cities, establishment of parks and gardens and provision of public cleanness equipment. Fifth meeting of the specialists in city beautification The Sultanate participated in the meeting, which was held in Qatar, during the period from 22 to 23 October, 2013. The meeting is a confirmation of the action plan adopted by the (GCC) ministers of municipalities in order to exchange experiences among the GCC countries in the field of beautification projects in the Arabian Gulf cities. International Symposium on Non-Traditional Use of Water in Urban Areas The ministry, in cooperation with the Regional Centre for Urban Water Management in Tehran organized the International Symposium on Non-Traditional Use of Water in Urban Areas from 24 to 26February, 2014. The Symposium aims at creating modern scientific and technological concepts in the use of non-conventional water, and shedding light on the successful experiences as well as presenting scientific and research initiatives. The Symposium discussed 30 search and scientific papers provided by more than 30 participants from inside and outside the Sultanate. The discussions focused on the need for sea water desalination for the purposes of water supply in urban areas and the use of non-conventional water to recharge aquifers. In addition to the economic analysis to re-use the treated wastewater and identification of the modern ways and techniques in non-traditional uses of water as well as water harvesting techniques and case studies.

Experts Meeting on the Arab Network for the Management of Water Resources in Arid and Semi-Arid Regions The Sultanate hosted the meeting from 18 to 22 of June, 2011 with the participation of experts from the Sultanate and Arab countries in the field of water resources. During the meeting, the Arabic Network for management of water resources in arid and semi-arid regions was announced and Oman was called to host the headquarter of the General Secretariat of the network because of the progress that Sultanate has achieved in the field of assessment, management and development of water resources.

Participations

Food Safety Conference The Sultanate represented by the Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources in cooperation with a number of government and private bodies and institutions of food concern, organized Food Safety Conference with the theme “Together Towards Safe Food” from 22 to 24 April 2014 with the participation of a number of food safety specialists. The conference discussed over two days, 22 working paper dealing with various food safety challenges and the latest issues facing the food industry. Additionally, it focused on subjects related to local, regional and international regulations and the global food standards that aim to strengthen the implementation of food safety standards in the Sultanate. Moreover, it considered of the latest information, solutions and raising Food safety levels in the Sultanate. The conference program was designed carefully to address the real issues, conduct discussions and interactive dialogues and highlight on the latest revision of food safety standards. The Conference recommended a series of recommendations, including the creation of a database of imported and domestic food products to activate food traceability of the various stages of the food trading mechanism. In addition, it recommended the evaluation and development of the health system to monitor the diseases transmitted through food and food poisoning cases. The conference was synchronized with an exhibition that included a number of leading companies and organizations in the food industry in the Sultanate. Additionally, it included professionals and specialists in food safety, the organizers and distributors of food, as well as academics, consumers, professionals and specialists in other related food safety sectors.

Gulf water Conference (11) The Sultanate represented by the Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources in cooperation with the General Secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation Council, the Public Authority for Electricity and Water, the Association of Water Science and Technology in the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Oman water Society Gulf Conference Organized the 11th Gulf Water Conference under the theme of “Water in the GCC countries - towards effective management”. It was held during the period from 20 to 22, October 2014, in order to raise the level of awareness on water policy decisions and the importance of improving water efficiency to contribute to the achievement of sustainable water management in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries(GCC). The conference discussed 58 research and scientific working papers presented by experts and specialists from inside and outside the Sultanate, along with the participation of a number of government and private agencies. Moreover, the website of the Arabic Network for management of water resources in arid and semi-arid areas has been launched, through which the Sultanate represented by the ministry was chosen to be the headquarters of the Office of the General Secretariat of the Arab Network for the management of water resources in the arid and semi-(Arab G-Network). It is a subsidiary of UNESCO within the framework of the International Network System of Water Information and dry lands. It is also one of the International Hydrological Program projects.

Participations

Sultanate participates in the thirtieth meeting of their Excellencies senior municipal officials and the twenty-fourth meeting of the liaison officers of municipal work The Sultanate participated in the thirtieth meeting of the Excellencies senior municipal officials and the twenty-fourth meeting of the liaison officers in the field of municipal work, which was held in Saudi Arabia during the period from 14 to June 16, 2015. The meeting aimed to discussing the Supreme Council decision on the conversion of manuals to mandatory and the award of the Cooperation Council of Municipal Work. In addition, it aimed to discussing the constructional strategic planning of cities and development of municipal training tools and centers, the urban environment and reorganization of the specialized team works.

Workshop on “Water Governance” The Sultanate, represented by the Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources had organized a workshop entitled “Water Governance” presented by the Arab network for the management of water resources in the arid and semi-arid regions (Arab G-Wadi Network). It was held during the period from 18 to 20 October 2015 with the participation of a number of experts and officials and those interested in the water sector in order to identify the most important issues and key obstacles of achieving the effective water governance and present the best practices in various areas of governance in the Arab region, to achieve effective water management and the establish a sustainable water management system in the Arab countries The working Papers dealt with a number of themes that fall within the framework of the Arab water security strategy and the drawing up of the national strategies in the integrated management of water resources in arid and semi-arid regions. In addition, it discussed about the groundwater governance requirements, water governance and climate change

Municipal regulations