The Authority for Public Services Regulation (APSR) has described the recent enactment of the Water and Wastewater Sector Regulatory Law, issued via Royal Decree 40/2023, as a milestone statute that will help sustain and safeguard Oman’s precious water resources.
With a dual focus on meeting escalating water demands and establishing comprehensive regulations for the water and wastewater industry, this groundbreaking regulatory framework aligns with the national strategies and priorities outlined in Oman Vision 2040, said Dr Mansour bin Talib al Hinai (pictured), Chairman of the Public Services Regulatory Authority “By promoting effective governance principles, incentivizing private sector investment, and embracing cutting-edge technologies, Oman positions itself at the forefront of sustainable water resource management,” he noted.
Key provisions and objectives: Conservation of water resources: The new law seeks to restore ecological balance by prioritizing the sustainable management of water resources, and espouses prudent utilization and conservation to safeguard the interests of current and future generations.
Governance principles: The law establishes foundational governance principles that serve as pillars for the efficient administration of the water and wastewater sector. Its comprehensive scope encompasses legislative provisions, policies, executive regulations, and administrative decisions that govern all aspects of water and sanitation practices. These measures collectively foster the sector's sustainability and optimize its operational efficiency.
Alignment with Oman Vision 2040: The law aligns with the national strategies and priorities outlined in Oman Vision 2040. It sets out guidelines for sustainable resource management and the integration of advanced technologies within the water and wastewater sector.
Private sector investment: By establishing an enabling regulatory framework, the new law fosters collaborations between public and private entities to drive innovation, elevate service quality, and effectively address the mounting water resource demands.
Integration of latest technologies: It places great emphasis on embracing and harnessing modern technologies within the water and wastewater domain. By deploying state-of-the-art treatment methodologies, efficient distribution systems, and intelligent monitoring solutions, the law endeavous to optimize resource utilization, augment operational efficacy, and ensure the provision of robust water and wastewater services.
Policymaking: With the enactment of this law, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources assumes a pivotal role as the implementing authority responsible for fostering the development and advancement of the water and sanitation sector. This ministry undertakes crucial functions such as formulating robust government policies, establishing governance principles, incentivizing investments, furnishing comprehensive reports to competent authorities, approving research initiatives and financing mechanisms, and facilitating network integration both within and beyond Oman's borders.
Licensing and regulatory framework: To ensure streamlined operations within the water and wastewater sector, the law lays out provisions, procedures, and licensing prerequisites for various industry activities. This encompasses activities encompassing wastewater collection, treatment, transportation, discharge, as well as the import and export of water resources. Additionally, the law enforces stringent regulatory compliance, defines licensing conditions, stipulates penalties for non-compliance, and institutes robust mechanisms for dispute resolution.
Infrastructure Planning and Management: The law underscores the significance of developing and maintaining resilient infrastructure. It places a premium on leveraging efficient technologies for water treatment, distribution, and management across residential, industrial, and agricultural domains.
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