The Saudi Water Partnership Company (SWPC) has announced the signing of agreements for the Jubail-Buraydah Independent Water Transmission Pipeline (IWTP) project with a consortium that includes Aljomaih Energy & Water Company, Nesma Company Ltd., and Buhur for Investment Company.
The signing took place under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Dr. Faisal bin Mishaal bin Saud bin Abdulaziz, the Prince of Al-Qassim province. His Excellency Eng. Abdulrahman Abdulmohsen AlFadley, the Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of SWPC, officiated the agreement in Al-Qassim province.
This initiative represents a major enhancement to the water infrastructure in Al-Qassim and the Eastern provinces, addressing the drinking water requirements of both areas. The pipeline will have a capacity of 650,000 m³/day and span 587 km, with a total project investment of 8.5 billion riyals.
The project will enable reverse flow from Al-Shamasiyah, through Al-Qulayib, to Al-Jubail, fully aligning with the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture’s plans for regional drinking water connectivity across the Kingdom, ensuring a consistent and sustainable water supply in these regions. Additionally, the project includes six strategic storage tanks at Al-Shamasiyah and three at Al-Jubail, totaling a storage capacity of 1,634,500 cubic meters, which will guarantee a dependable and efficient water supply.
Eng. Al-Fadley expressed appreciation to His Royal Highness, the Prince of Al-Qassim province, for supporting regional development projects and emphasized the importance of private sector involvement in advancing the water sector in the Kingdom. This collaboration aims to enhance service quality and optimize expenditure efficiency while leveraging private sector expertise in construction, operation, and management, aligning with the goals of Vision 2030.
Eng. Al-Fadley noted that these agreements are instrumental in fulfilling the Ministry’s objectives and showcasing effective water transmission capabilities to potential investors. This follows previous collaborations with the private sector on similar projects.
The CEO of SWPC, Eng. Khalid Bin Zwaid AlQureshi, mentioned that the project was introduced to investors using a BOOT (Build, Own, Operate, and Transfer) model, attracting 32 competitors, including 14 local firms. Ultimately, the consortium of Aljomaih Energy & Water Company, Nesma Company Ltd., and Buhur for Investment Company was selected.
Al-Qureshi indicated that commercial operations for the project are anticipated to begin in the second quarter of 2029, with a concession term lasting 35 years from the start of operations. He added that the project aims to enhance water transmission efficiency while reducing electricity consumption and operational costs. Furthermore, it will promote local content by increasing the proportion of Saudization in business and workforce.
The Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture is committed to creating an appealing and well-structured investment landscape, fostering private sector partnerships through strategic initiatives and investment opportunities. These efforts are integral to the ministry’s long-term goals of fortifying the environment, water, and agriculture sectors in Saudi Arabia.
Source : Saudi Water Partnership Company (SWPC)
