New dam project in Amerat expected to reduce loss of property from floods

Muscat: A new dam in Amerat is expected to reduce the likelihood of floods in the area, according to the Regional Municipalities and Water Resources Royal Decree No. 12/2018, which outlines the details regarding construction of the dam in Al Jifnain, Amerat.
Article 1 of the decree states: “The project for the construction of the dam in Al Jifnain, as specified in the memorandum and the attached overall diagram, is considered to be of public benefit. According to the decision, authorities have been given permission to begin acquiring land required for the project.”
“The competent authorities may seize by direct execution the real estate and land required for the project. The authorities must also have facilities in accordance with the provisions of the expropriation law for the dam,” Article II of the decree states.
As part of the efforts of the Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources to establish projects of public benefit, the ministry is seeking to implement the project to provide necessary protection and reduce the risk of flooding, and the occurrence of damage to public and private property, all of which negatively affect civilian life.
“The project’s objectives include flood risk protection, feeding underground aquifers, and reducing lost water in the sea,” Ahmed Al Shehhi, Minister of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources, said.
Since the implementation of this project requires the expropriation of property and land, affected owners will be compensated in accordance with the provisions of the law of expropriation. Al Jifnain dam will be able to withstand 158,732 cubic metres of water.