Oman

Jusoor launches concrete 3D printed fishermen's shades

 
Liwa–Jusoor Foundation, in collaboration with the General Directorate of Agricultural, Fisheries, and Water Resources in North Al Batinah, celebrated the launch of the Fishermen Shades project utilizing concrete printing technology in Liwa and Shinas.

The project, costing RO90,000, was inaugurated under the patronage of Sheikh Hilal bin Sultan al Kalbani, Wali of Liwa, and attended by members of the Municipal Council in the Wilayat and directors of government and private institutions.

Jaber Sulaiman al Busaidi, the Executive Manager of Jusoor Foundation, affirmed that the project is one of the significant initiatives implemented by Jusoor, funded by OQ, Vale in Oman, and Sohar Aluminium in the fishing sector. It aims to serve fishermen and meet their needs by providing high-quality areas that facilitate marine fishing.

“The project we are celebrating today involves the construction of concrete shades for fishermen using concrete printing technology, which aims to create suitable fishing areas that enable them to organize and store their fishing equipment, covering a total area of 580 square meters, making it the largest building area constructed using concrete printing technology”, he added.

Regarding the locations of the project, Al Busaidi explained that it has been implemented in four designated sites in the Wilayat Shinas and Wilayat Liwa. Each site includes six storage areas in addition to the innovative design of fishermen’s shades that align with the marine environment and the beneficiaries. Solar panels have also been installed to provide electrical power for the project and storage spaces.

Eng. Sultan Hassan al Marzouqi, Director of the Fisheries Department at the General Directorate of Agricultural, Fisheries and Water Resources in North Al Batinah, pointed out that the Fishermen Shades project is one of the development projects with local value added for the fishermen who benefit from it in the sites where it was implemented in the Wilayat Shinas and Wilayat Liwa.

The project provides a suitable environment for fishermen, especially artisans, as the umbrellas and their accompanying storage facilities contribute to preserving their fishing tools and equipment. Additionally, these facilities offer an opportunity for fishermen to gather and connect, assisting them in preparing for their marine fishing trips. The project also represents a new addition to the governorate, enhancing its aesthetic appeal and modern character in line with urban development. Furthermore, it is an important step to reduce the random construction of traditional umbrellas along the coastline. He expressed gratitude to the Jusoor Foundation and the Founding Companies for their ongoing support and for implementing this project using concrete printing technology. He hopes to complete the project in other Wilayats of the governorate in future phases.

The beneficiary fishermen expressed their satisfaction and the significant advantages the project has brought them, Dr. Youssef Ahmed Al Sharqi, Vice Chairman of the Sunnah of the Sea Committee in Shinas, said, “We thank Jusoor Foundation for this significant project for us as fishermen. It has provided us with a suitable space made from durable materials that protect our fishing tools and equipment. The shades help us prepare for our fishing activities, both by boat and through the local method known as 'Daghwa.' This preparation includes tasks such as setting up fishing nets, cleaning equipment, and organizing ropes and hooks, among other activities that require a proper workspace.”