Water channel discovered in Wilayat of Ibri

Ibri: A water channel was discovered in the Wilayat of Ibri after the end of low pressure condition with which the governorate of Al Dhahirah, was affected recently.

The water channel became visible after the wadi washed away the sand along its side.

Hilal bin Amer Al Qasmi, a researcher in the field of Omani heritage and aflaj and author of a book on the engineering structure of the Omani aflaj across ages, said that the wadi washed away some of the debris which caused a water channel to appear on the surface.

The water channel is built of stone and clay with a hollow pipe inside made with stone and coated with sarooj (a water resistant mortar substance) and stones for protection, he said.

He added that this channel (aflaj)starts from al Ghabi area near the northern side where the source of Al Mafjouris located.He said that the channel is an individualafalaj, the source of which is assumed to be 15 metres in length.

A researcher Ahmed bin Ali AlNasseri said that the width of this water channel  is 90 centimetres and the length is approximately115 metres with a diameter of 67 centimetres.

There is a vent at the top forcleaning and maintenance of the channel. The area located in Wadi Al Kabir inthe Wilayat of Ibri used to get water for irrigation purposes from three aflajs whichare Al Mabouth, Al Mafjour and this one.

The area adjacent to the wadi is currently a residential area known as Kawas. Other citizens of the area said that this afalaj was known as Al Radidah Falaj  and was used for irrigation purpose of Al Mulainah area.