66 aflaj restored at a cost of RO582,000 in South Batinah

66 aflaj restored at a cost of RO582,000 in South Batinah

Muscat – The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources (MAFWR) is continuing to restore and maintain 66 aflaj in South Batinah at a cost of RO582,000.

Ahmed Ibrahim al Esayi, head of Directorate General of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources in South Batinah, informed that the department has formed a team to survey aflaj affected by Cyclone Shaheen in October 2021 in the governorate.

The directorate continues to maintain 39 aflaj in the wilayat of Rustaq, 20 in Al Awabi, six in Nakhal, and one in Wadi al Ma’awil. It is also undertaking maintenance of 39 damaged wells, including one in Rustaq and five in Al Awabi at a total cost of RO36,668. 

According to Esayi, the aflaj project aims to support farmers and improve irrigation facilities. “Aflaj are a traditional water source on which Omanis have depended for irrigation for ages. Aflaj types vary according to the geological and hydrological characteristics of an area.”

He explained that the directorate has drawn up an action plan to study investment sites in line with Oman Vision 2040 and the availability of water in these sites. “Wells will be dug in these sites which will contribute to the establishment of projects.’

He further explained that the