Saudi Arabia's Water Transmission Company (WTCO) has announced that it has begun the process of selecting qualified bidders for the Ras Mohaisen-Baha-Makkah Independent Water Transmission System (IWTS), reports Zawya.
This project, which spans 300 kilometers, is part of the Western Supply Group and is expected to have a transmission capacity of 515,000 cubic meters per day.
Last month, WTCO revealed the list of potential bidders for the project, attracting interest from major international developers. Among those bidding are well-known Spanish companies such as ACCIONA, Elecnor, and Cox Water, along with Indian infrastructure leaders Kalpataru Projects and Megha Engineering & Infrastructures. Additionally, U.S.-based Lonestar and Japan's Sojitz Corporation, alongside various regional players, are also competing for the project.
WTCO noted that several prominent regional companies are also in the running, including Kuwait's Alghanim International, as well as UAE-based entities such as Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (Taqa), Contrax International DMCC, and Emirates Utilities Development Company. Egyptian contractor Orascom Construction is another contender for the project.
The competition also features top Saudi developers, including Al Bawani Capital, Nesma, Al Bawardi Group, Al Jomaih Energy & Water, Al Kobraish Investment & Construction, Alkhorayef Water and Power Technologies, Al Yamamah Water Projects, Al Ayuni Investment & Contracting, Alrawaf Contracting, Buhur For Investment Company, Precision Scientific Equipment, Rawafid Industrial Company, and Thrustboring Construction Company.
According to WTCO’s tender announcement, the selected bidder or consortium will be responsible for executing the project under a design, build, finance, lease, and transfer (DBFLT) framework. Following the completion of the project, the transmission capacity will be leased to WTCO for a period of 35 years through a Water Transmission Development and Lease Agreement (WTDLA).
The project is supported by Synergy Consulting IFA as the lead and financial advisor, with Clifford Chance serving as the legal advisor and ILF providing technical guidance.
