MUSCAT : The five-day forum aims to enhance the preparedness of water sector institutions to implement water safety plans, improve operational oversight, and maintain water quality across distribution, storage, and transportation systems.

The opening ceremony of the forum was held under the patronage of His Excellency Dr. Mansour bin Talib Al Hinai, Chairman of the Public Services Regulatory Authority.

His Excellency Dr. Al Hinai highlighted the Authority’s ongoing efforts to develop regulatory frameworks for the water sector in Oman. He pointed out the importance of enabling operating institutions to adopt proactive risk management practices and enhance safety procedures. His Excellency further noted that water safety is a national health security priority, directly linked to human health, livelihood stability, and overall economic and social development. He underscored the role of safe water systems in reducing the burden on healthcare services.

In his remarks, Dr Jean Yaacoub Jabbour, WHO Representative in Oman, shared that the WHO would implement a training program throughout the forum aimed at improving water safety plans, ensuring the safety of water resources, and providing valuable knowledge to participants. He reiterated the WHO’s commitment to supporting Oman in achieving the highest standards in water safety and praised the country’s alignment with international best practices. Dr. Yacoub emphasized that the forum would help Oman meet its national health and sustainable development goals.

Eng. Saud bin Nasser Al Shaidhani, Director General of Water and Wastewater at the APSR, spoke about water safety as a societal responsibility. He emphasised the importance of institutional awareness in protecting both people and the environment. He also highlighted the forum as an interactive platform for transferring knowledge, promoting a culture of prevention, and strengthening institutional partnerships based on scientific foundations and international standards.

The forum’s programme spans five specialised training phases over five days, each focusing on critical water safety aspects. On the first day, participants engaged in consolidating theoretical knowledge regarding water safety plans and the formation of multidisciplinary teams that include engineers, public health experts, and quality specialists.

Through this forum, the Public Services Regulatory Authority seeks to establish a scientific approach to water services management through this forum, building a national system grounded in standards of prevention, control, and efficiency. The forum also aims to enhance the sustainability of water services, improve transparency and compliance within operating institutions, and foster greater cooperation with international organizations. This collaboration is expected to strengthen Oman’s water security and contribute to institutional development across the sector.

The forum is attended by representatives from regulatory and operational institutions, alongside local and international experts specialising in water, public health, and risk management.

For all the latest news from Oman and GCC, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn, like us on Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube page, which is updated daily.