BUSINESS REPORTER
MUSCAT, DEC 13
The Centralised Utilities Company (Marafiq), a joint venture between OQ and Gulf Energy Development Corporation of Thailand, organised the first annual gathering with its government and private partners in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD). The event was presided over by Eng Ahmed bin Hassan al Dheeb, Deputy Chairman of the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ).
In a press statement, Al Dheeb stressed that Marafiq stands as one of the companies supporting OPAZ’s plan to attract investments to SEZ at Duqm through its package of services provided for industrial, commercial and tourist projects in the Zone.
“OPAZ is joining hands with its partners in SEZAD to create an attractive investment environment for local and foreign companies to start investing in the Zone, which is witnessing continuous growth in the value of investments,” Al Dheeb explained.
Hilal bin Ali al Kharousi, Chairman of Marafiq Company, pointed out, “Marafiq is one of the companies formed by OQ Group within the integrated system that has boosted the readiness of the Special Economic Zone at Duqm to attract giant industrial and strategic projects such as Duqm Refinery (OQ8) and the Crude Oil Storage Park project in Ras Markaz.”
He further stated, “Marafiq will support achieving SEZAD’s objectives to attract local and foreign investments. This is reflected in playing its significant role by providing services for industrial projects such as electricity, industrial water, cooling water, industrial gas and other facilities under one umbrella.”
Eng Abdullah bin Mohammed al Hashimi, Managing Director of Marafiq, stated that the company great support from OPAZ, the Authority for Public Services Regulation (APSR) and OQ Group. This has undoubtedly contributed to achieving the company's objective, he said.
During his presentation, Eng Al Hashimi touched on the Company's achievements over the past years and the projects developed by Marafiq in the Duqm SEZ in the power and water sectors. Among the key projects is the Integrated Power and Water Plant, which supplies Duqm Refinery with power and industrial cooling water and supplies power to Oman Tank Terminal Company (OTTCO), which operates the Crude Oil Storage Park in Ras Markaz, located 80 km from the centre of Duqm.
Moreover, with the support of the Rural Areas Electricity Company (Tanweer), Marafiq has set up a mobile power plant operating with gas turbines to provide power for commercial, industrial, tourist and residential projects in the SEZ.
Progress is also being made in the establishment of a water distribution network,as well as connecting industrial, commercial and residential properties to the network.
During the event, Al Dheeb launched the Company’s newly revamped website, which brings key insights about the Company and marks a link with other partners and customers.
On the sidelines, Marafiq also signed an agreement with the Directorate General of Education in Al Wusta Governorate, and Tawasul Foundation to support the preparation classes in Dhahr School in Duqm and Al Lakbi School in Al Jazir for the academic year 2022/2023 and 2023/2024. This agreement reflects the Company’s corporate social responsibility towards supporting the local community in Duqm, in particular, and Al Wusta Governorate, in general.
In addition, Marafiq was presented with the (ISO 45001) Occupational Health and Safety Management System Certificate, and the (ISO 14001) Environmental Management System Certificate. The awards affirm Marafiq’s commitment to HSE practices and its compliance with the international HSE standards.
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