Saudi Arabia’s National Water Company (NWC) is set to start work on a range of water desalination projects worth more than SR4.3 billion ($1.1 billion) covering key regions of Dammam, Al Khobar, Al Ahsa and Qatif.

The project scope includes implementation of more than 316 km of conveyor and main lines, and the construction of operational reservoirs with a capacity of 1.5 million cu m in addition to projects to improve water networks.

NWC said the engineering design work for the projects has been fully completed and the preparation of operational reservoir construction sites as well as the work on the main and branch pipelines will begin this month.

These projects will be implemented using the best and latest technologies, in coordination and integration between all relevant authorities to ensure the speed of completion of projects and maximize the benefit from them, stated its top official.

“It will contribute to strengthening the infrastructure of the distribution system and ensuring the efficiency of its operations in the cities and governorates of the Eastern Region,” remarked the CEO Engineer Nimr Al Shibl, while inspecting the progress of infrastructure projects for water services and environmental treatment in Dammam as well as the Al Khobar and Al Ahsa governorates.

The project, which is due for completion in 2025, will be beneficial to more than four million of the kingdom’s residents, he added.