Ibra: The Directorate General of Agriculture and Water Resources in North A'Sharqiyah Governorate is undertaking a full renovation of 179 aflaj (man-made water supply channels) at a cost of more than OMR2 million. The project aims to ensure the long-term viability of water supplies in the governorate's Wilayats.
Eng. Hamad Rashid Al Sawai, from the General Directorate of Agriculture and Water Resources in North Al Sharqiyah Governorate, stated that the project was initiated due to the damage caused to the aflaj by low-pressure systems that prevailed in the region and a tropical depression that struck the governorate last year.
A total of 162 aflaj (approximately 90% of the overall target number) were restored to normal working conditions, including 21 in the Wilayat of Ibra, 19 in the Wilayat of Al Qabil, 17 in the Wilayat of Al Mudhaibi, 78 in the Wilayat of Dima W'Attayeen, 10 in the Wilayat of Bidiyah, 4 in the Wilayat of Sinaw, and 30 in the Wilayat of Wadi Bani Khalid.
North Al Sharqiyah Governorate is home to up to 571 aflaj. The active aflaj play a critical role in supplying water for irrigation and other activities.
