Oman builds groundwater recharge dams to boost water security as communities and government work together to improve water access.
Citizens in Al Dhahirah Governorate, in close cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, partnered to construct 18 dams. These groundwater recharge structures aim to improve water reserves and, in addition, support sustainable supply for future needs.
Moreover, the initiative reflects strong community awareness of the importance of water resource management. It also, therefore, highlights local commitment to long-term environmental stability.
Currently, seven new dams are under construction. Specifically, three are located in the wilayat of Ibri, three in Yanqul, and one in Dhank. These projects, meanwhile, fall under the same community partnership model.
The Ministry covers 20 percent of the total cost, while citizens provide the remaining 80 percent. Thus, this model clearly shows how Oman builds groundwater recharge dams to boost water security through shared responsibility.
Engineer Mubarak Salim Al Jabri, Director of the Water Resources Department in Al Dhahirah, confirmed the project’s core objectives. He explained that the dams help recharge wells and aflaj, and as a result, improve the local water supply.
Consequently, the increased water flow supports farming and raises agricultural productivity. It also, in turn, provides communities with sustainable and reliable access to water.
Additionally, Al Jabri also reported that eight existing dams received maintenance this year. These improvements, therefore, extend the life and efficiency of water infrastructure across the governorate.
Oman builds groundwater recharge dams to boost water security in various wilayats using both public and community-led models. Al Dhahirah now has 36 dams in total. Eighteen of them are government-built, while the other eighteen result from community collaboration.
Furthermore, Al Jabri emphasized the role of these dams in reinforcing the region’s water infrastructure. He described them, above all, as vital tools for sustainable development and agricultural resilience.
This ongoing effort, in essence, underlines the value of citizen participation in environmental projects. It also, ultimately, strengthens national strategies aimed at long-term water management.
In conclusion, Oman builds groundwater recharge dams to boost water security and ensure better water access for generations to come.
