Detailed development plan for Muscat soon

Detailed development plan for Muscat soon

With nearly 29 per cent of the population concentrated in the capital, a detailed plan will be prepared for Muscat under the National Urban Development Strategy, said the Minister of Housing and Urban Development on Tuesday.He said the urban development strategy for Muscat will include the Ghala Industrial Zone.The minister said as the global trend is planning modern smart cities in parallel to the transportation system, the Al Batinah Expressway opens new opportunities for urban development. “We call on the community to develop land around the Al Batinah Expressway and Al Batinah Coastal Road. The role of public transportation, including the light rail in the later stages, will increase from 4 at the moment to 18 per cent.He said the wilayat of Barka will remain within the Governorate of South al Batinah. “Simplifying procedures in investment is an important requirement so that the completion of licences and implementation periods are reduced.”He said that 911,000 housing units will be required over the next 10 years.The government's National Urban Development Strategy (NUDS) will focus on integrated, balanced and sustainable development of towns and cities in line with Oman's Vision 2040.“The strategy will give importance to the issues related to climate change, use