Dubai, UAE: Ras Al Khaimah Wastewater Authority (RAKWA) has awarded Veolia Water Technologies — a subsidiary of Veolia — a contract for the upgrade of Al Fileyah plant, the main sewage treatment plant (STP) in Ras Al Khaimah, according to a company issued communiqué. The company, the communiqué said, has been requested by RAKWA to manage the significant increase of inlet flow over the years and overcome issues of odour nuisance by upgrading the existing plant capabilities.

The communiqué revealed that the contract, signed during WETEX 2016, was awarded to the experts in water and waste management for the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) of the Al Fileyah plant, including supply, construction, commissioning and performance testing for the STP.

With a challenging estimated completion time of 12 months, the project, the communiqué highlighted, will focus on doubling the capacity of the treatment plant, bringing it from 20 MLD to 40 MLD. In order to achieve this target, the company said that its team will implement secondary biological treatment processes, including installation and upgrades of aeration tanks and clarifiers. The team, it added, will also construct new UASB Bioreactors provided by Veolia subsidiary Biothane (Upthane technology).

Commenting on being awarded the contract, Thierry Froment, Chief Operating Officer for Veolia Water Technologies in the Middle East, said, “This partnership marks the beginning of a significant journey for us with the Ras Al Khaimah Wastewater Authority and also highlights our commitment to becoming a trusted partner of the UAE, where sustainability is a key priority.”

Ahmed Mohamad Al Hammadi, Chairman of RAKWA, added: “The extension of Al Fileyah treatment plant is very important for RAKWA as it strengthens our strategy to enhance the overall development of Ras Al Kheima Emirates. Partnering with Veolia for water treatment is in line with our commitment to build a strong and enduring team working alongside with Moalajah to deliver this project.”