KHASAB: The geographical location of Musandam Governorate has been an important gateway to strengthening economic relations between the Sultanate of Oman and its neighbouring countries.

It has contributed to the urban vision in this governorate to achieve economic and social development as well as improve the standard of living of the community. Additionally it has made an effort for optimal utilisation and paved the path for effective and sustainable management of the resources —which are unique in a natural and cultural manner.

Engineer Ali bin Ahmed Al-Ma’ashani, Director General of the General Directorate of Housing and Urban Planning in Musandam Governorate, said in a statement, “The urban strategy of Musandam Governorate is compatible with the capabilities and components of the governorate and in a manner that integrates with the comprehensive urban strategy.”

Al-Ma’ashani also referred to many projects and sites that the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning has identified as promising projects. These include sites for free zones in the centre of Musandam Governorate, and sites for renewable energy projects such as solar, wind energy projects and green hydrogen projects. Also, sites have been allocated for the tourism sector in terms of promoting environmental and adventure tourism.

The Director General of the General Directorate of Housing and Urban Planning in the Governorate of Musandam said, “The ministry has worked on allocating sites within the urban strategy of the Governorate of Musandam since the second half of 2021. These sites have been allocated for fisheries projects.”

He explained that there is a possibility to review dam projects in the Musandam Governorate. The ministry has re-studied a comprehensive and clear study of the streams in the valleys and classified them to determine the locations of dam construction. A great deal of benefit will be derived from them which will enhance the underground water storage and open new avenues for planning.

The appropriate proposals were submitted in coordination with the competent authorities. The location of Musandam Governorate necessitates intensification of efforts in terms of dam projects due to the nature of the governorate. The directions were adopted within the urban strategy of the governorate.

Al-Ma’ashani said, “The ministry seeks to cover the needs of citizens and government agencies of land in the governorate in accordance with its nature and optimal utilisation. The ministry’s taken an initiative to provide multiple housing options, including the ‘Choose Your Land’ drive through the electronic withdrawal of lands associated with services. The Sorouh initiative will work in tandem with many financing and service agencies to distribute housing with multiple options within the projects of integrated residential neighbourhoods.

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning had recently organised a workshop ‘Musandam – Corridor of International Relations’ which aimed to implementing the urban strategy in the governorate’s projects. This was a part of a series of initiatives organised by the Ministry with the offices of the governors to put the urban strategy in the governorates into practice.