It is common knowledge that the function of water dams in the Sultanate of Oman is to nourish the underground reserve that contributes to the flow of falaj and wells in times of drought. However, what many do not know is that these dams retain materials within them that can be used economically.
The silt accumulated in these dams is used in various industries, including fertilizer production, the textile industry, building preservatives, artistic ceramic industries, and others. Hence the initiative to exploit the accumulated silt soil and transform it into innovative products.
Among the dams whose silt is benefited from are the “Wadi al Jizi” Dam in the Wilayat of Sohar, the “Wadi Ahen” Dam in the Wilayat of Saham, the “Wadi al Hawasna” Dam in the Wilayat of Al Khaboura, the “Wadi Mastal” Dam in the Wilayat of Nakhal, in addition to the “Wadi Dayqah” Dam in the Wilayat of Quriyat.
ECONOMIC VALUE
Projects, some of which contribute to agricultural production and some of which produce raw materials for the construction sector, target the local, regional and international market.
In addition to the economic value of these projects, they also contribute to providing job opportunities that support the commercial activities of small and medium enterprises.
One of the most important activities that these institutions may adopt is cleaning dam lakes of accumulated soil to increase their storage efficiency, taking advantage of dam resources to produce high- quality value-added products, attracting investments and supplying the local, regional and international market with innovative Omani industries to increase the benefit of local natural resources.
Recently, the results of advisory studies to ward off flood risks in watersheds carried out by the Ministry of Agricultural Wealth, Fisheries and Water Resources in various governorates of the Sultanate of Oman showed the proposal to construct 56 dams, rehabilitate valley streams, prepare flood maps for the North and South Batinah governorates, and implement a number of projects and tenders for constructing dams.
For groundwater recharge, the number of dams in the Sultanate of Oman reached 174, including 56 dams for groundwater recharge, 3 dams for protection against flood risks, and 115 dams for surface storage.
In addition to the economic and environmental value, these dams contribute to stimulating the tourism movement in the various states of the Sultanate. The water from these dams helps to continue the flow of water in the valleys throughout the year, and thus tourists facilitate camping and visiting many natural sites in the various governorates of the Sultanate of Oman.
TEXT AND PHOTOS BY YAHYA ALSALMANI
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