North a’sharqiyah: The Directorate General of Agriculture and Water Resources in North A’Sharqiyah Governorate is nearing the completion of an extensive restoration project targeting 179 aflaj, or man-made water supply channels, with an investment exceeding RO 2 million. This initiative aims to sustain the governorate’s water resources across its Wilayats.

According to Oman News Agency, Eng. Hamad Rashid Al Sawai from the General Directorate of Agriculture and Water Resources in North A’Sharqiyah Governorate highlighted that the restoration efforts were necessitated by damage inflicted on the aflaj due to recent low-pressure weather systems and a tropical depression that affected the area last year.

The project has successfully restored 162 aflaj, accounting for approximately 90% of the intended target. The specific restoration accomplishments include 21 aflaj 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.

Altogether, North A’Sharqiyah Governorate is home to 571 aflaj. These active channels play a crucial role in supplying water for irrigation and various other uses, underscoring their significance to the region’s sustainability and development.