The contest for development project seeks to encourage the governorates to set up sustainable cities that are compatible with the National Strategy for Urban Development. It is also expected to boost tourism, provide more entertainment avenues for the people, and generate jobs for the citizens.
Eleven projects from all governorates were submitted for the contest. The projects were evaluated by a committee comprising the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning; the Ministry of Finance; the Ministry of Economy; and the Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit.
The committee that assessed the projects during the competition was headed by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning and it comprised members from the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Economy and Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit.
The committee hosted the governors and project operators and listened to their views as they outlined their respective projects.
The open meeting was held in implementation of the Royal directives of His Majesty the Sultan requiring all units of the State's Administrative Apparatus to coordinate on a regular manner with the governors in all matters pertaining to their governorates. The aim is to ensure integration in performance and avoid duplication.
During the meeting, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning made a visual presentation about the Sultan Haitham City project. It elaborated on Royal directives to promote housing assistance programmes and the system of giving addresses.
The meeting dealt with the ministry's future plans and projects within the purview of the urban strategy, projects of the National Initiative for Integrated Residential Neighbourhoods (Sorouh), investment aspects related to land use contracts (usufructs), decentralisation and delegation of powers to directors-general in the governorates.
Other projects submitted by the governorates which took in the contest include the Shatti Al Qurum Park project in the Wilayat of Bausher in Muscat; the DownTown project in the Wilayat of Al Buraimi in Al Buraimi;
the Dakhiliyah Boulevard Project in Farq in the Wilayat of Nizwa, in Al Dakhiliyah; the Difaf Project in the Wilayat of Suhar in North Al Batinah; the Marine Innovation Pier Project in Al Aija in the Wilayat of Sur, in South Al Sharqiyah; Project Resources Market in Wilayat of Sinaw, in Al Sharqiyah North; Ibri Cultural and Entertainment Center Project in Wilayat of Ibri, Al Dhahirah; and Haima Facade Project in the Wilayat of Haima in Al Wusta.
The development projects aims to to improve the standard of living of citizens, enhance economic activity and achieve decentralisation in the various governorates of the Sultanate of Oman.
It will contribute to the optimal exploitation of the governorates' resources, balanced development that enhances the comparative and competitive advantage of the governorates.
The initiative will continue in the coming years.
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