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Al Mahsamma agricultural drainage treatment, recycling, and reuse plant has been awarded the best water/wastewater project by Engineering News-Record (ENR) 8th annual Global Best Projects competition.

ENR Global Best Projects identifies and honors the project teams behind outstanding design and construction efforts of the past year and focuses on the challenges and risks associated.

Al Mahsamma plant was also named CFI global winner of the Best Recycling and Reuse Water Project for 2020, Construction Innovation Awards “Infrastructure Project of the Year” for 2019 and has been shortlisted for the Wastewater Project of the Year award at GWI’s Global Water Awards.

21 July 2020 –– Metito, the global leader of intelligent water and alternative energy management solutions, has been named one of the founding members of the Water Action Platform, a new forum dedicated to collaboration and knowledge-sharing in the water sector.

Launched by Isle Utilities, a technology consultancy company, in March 2020, the Water Action Platform was originally established in response to COVID-19 but has evolved to encompass a wider range of topics, pooling experience and expertise from utilities providers around the world. The platform aims to gather experiences within the global water network to develop best practice responses to disruptive scenarios to proactively protect lives and livelihoods.

Piers Clark, Chairman of Isle Utilities, said: “Only through targeted global collaboration and coordinated action can we assist with the response to worldwide emergency scenarios. With support from global industry leaders such as Metito, this platform will become a hub for in-depth discussions of current water affairs and credible solutions and technologies that can contribute to a positive water scenario.”

Commenting on its role as a founding member, Rami Ghandour, Managing Director of Metito, said: “Knowledge-sharing is a top priority for Metito. Through supporting the Water Action Platform, we are paving new ways for supporting utilities and communities around the world. This will minimize the impacts of plausible disruptive scenarios to the water industry – whether it be climate change, pandemics or others.”

Sponsored by leading water industry partners, the dynamic platform is open to all and can be beneficial to governments, financial and academic institutions, water utilities, technology companies and global industry groups.

A key feature of the Water Action Platform is a bi-weekly webinar which is available for public access. The next event will be held twice on 23rd July (7.30 and 16.30 BST). To participate in the virtual event, visit https://www.wateractionplatform.com/contact.

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 About Metito: 

Metito is a global leader and provider of choice for total intelligent water management solutions with operations covering three business areas: design and build, specialty chemicals, and utilities. With over 60 years of experience, the Group provides customized, comprehensive and advanced solutions across the full spectrum of its industry; from clean to dirty water; desalination and re-use; industrial solutions (up to hyper pure water); investing into water and wastewater assets; and structuring both Greenfield and Brownfield schemes under project finance structures. The Group also provides custom alternative energy development and management solutions for utilities and corporations looking to uphold sustainable operations through generating clean, emissions-free energy.

Metito successfully developed and executed thousands of projects across the world earning it the trust of market leaders and a reputation for professional excellence. The Group was the first to introduce the reverse osmosis technology for desalination outside the USA in 1972 and the first to pioneer concession contracts with private entities under Build Own Transfer (BOT), Build Own Operate (BOO), and Build Own Operate Transfer (BOOT) schemes in the Middle East, and under Public Private Partnership (PPP) agreements for bulk surface water supply concessions in Sub Saharan Africa.

The Group is at the forefront of the water and wastewater industry with an impressive project portfolio that includes more than 3000 projects in more than 46 countries managed by over 3000 experienced and talented employees worldwide in strategically located operational offices.

For more information please visit metito.com

Metito:

Reem Saleh Reem.Saleh@metito.com

About Water Action Platform:

Water Action Platform provides a forum for the sharing of learning and best practice across the water sector. It was initiated in March 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic but now covers a much wider range of water-related topics. Membership grew rapidly and, as of July 2020, it involves over 745 people from 395 organizations across 64 countries. The Water Action Platform has become an incredibly vibrant forum for organizations to share their experiences and learnings as well as a brilliant example of true collaboration and the sharing of best practice.

For more information, please visit https://www.wateractionplatform.com

• The project value is $245m (SAR920m)
• Dammam ISTP project moves ahead

Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia, 1st June 2020: Saudi Water Partnership Company (SWPC) and the consortium led by the Metito Group and comprising the companies; “Metito”, “Mowah”, and “Orascom Construction” (the Consortium) today confirmed the successful financial closing of the Kingdom’s first independent sewage treatment plant (ISTP) to be awarded to the private sector under the Build Own Operate Transfer (BOOT) concession model with a tenor of 25 years, in Dammam West. The project is worth US$245M with the investment made up of a combination of equity and debt.

The financial close of this ‘first of its kind’ project comes in spite of the global Covid-19 pandemic, which has frozen many large-scale projects around the world. The Dammam ISTP has a designed capacity of 350,000 cubic meters per day and an initial capacity of 200,000 cubic meters per day and will serve the western region of Dammam.

Khaled AlQureshi, Chief Executive Officer Saudi Water Partnership Company, said: “Despite global volatility and liquidity issues, and ever-changing market conditions, SWPC and the Consortium were able to successfully reach financial closing, in close cooperation with the lenders group.”

“This is a testament of SWPC’s commitment to support and encourage private sector participation in sustainable development by providing lucrative opportunities for local and foreign investors to participate in the implementation of lifeline water projects. This will achieve sustainable development, provide job opportunities for young people, and support local output and balanced development, in line with the strategic goals of the Kingdom’s “Vision 2030” and the initiatives approved by the Saudi Council of Ministers to encourage private sector participation in economic development”, added AlQureshi.

The Consortium scope of work covers the entire investment and includes the EPC and O&M which will be executed by a wholly owned Saudi-based company established by the Consortium to serve the project – the Dammam West Company for Water.

The total project costs approx. $245m (SAR920m), with funding sourced from a combination of senior project finance loans in addition to equity contributions from shareholders. Non-recourse project financing is provided by a group of local and international banks, including The National Commercial Bank (NCB), Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation Europe Limited (SMBC), and Arab Petroleum Investment Corporation (APICORP), worth a total of $160m (SAR601m).

“Reaching this stage in the project and resuming construction work under these difficult circumstances indicates confidence in the investment environment in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its suitability for the private sector”, stressed AlQureshi.

On behalf of the Consortium, Rami Ghandour, Metito Managing Director, said: ‘While the world is navigating unprecedented and testing times due to the fast evolving COVID-19 pandemic, we are delighted to share a strategic milestone for the water and wastewater industry in MENASA region. Today marks the successful financial close of the Dammam ISTP, a pioneering project in the Kingdom and the region. The financial structure for this project is a testament to its importance, scale and impact, and the confidence of all stakeholders in its sustainable success.”

“We are confident that with the continued support from SWPC the Dammam ISTP will pave the way for similar developments in the future that can contribute to a more efficient water sector in the Kingdom and beyond,” Ghandour added.

The successful financial closing marks a significant achievement for the Saudi Government and the wider region, demonstrating sustained commitment to development in the water sector. Since breaking ground on the Dammam West site in February this year, work has continued without interruption and the project remains on track.

Advisors:
Project Sponsors International Legal Advisors: Covington & Burling LLP
Project Sponsors Local Legal Advisors: Hatem Abbas Ghazzawi & Co
Project Sponsors Financial Advisor: Synergy Consulting
Project Sponsors Insurance Advisor: Willis Towers Watson
Lenders International Legal Advisors: Allen & Overy LLP
Lenders Local Legal Advisors: Baker & McKenzie Habib Al Mulla
Lenders Insurance Advisor: INDECS Consulting Limited
LTA: ILF & Partners Engineering

Metito-Hassan Allam JV commissions Al Mahsamma plant, the largest of its kind in the world

• The 1 million cubic m³/day state-of-the-art mega national project will contribute to the cultivation of 70,000 acres in Sinai: Eng. Karim Madwar
• Al Mahsamma project is a milestone in Egypt’s water security agenda and represents a qualitative leap in the field of agricultural wastewater treatment across Africa: Eng. Hassan Allam
• Egypt is adopting a progressive policy towards achieving water security and is taking proactive steps, including recycling agricultural drainage and water desalination

Cairo, 22nd of April 2020 –– H.E President AbdelFattah El Sisi has officially inaugurated Al Mahsamma agricultural drainage treatment, recycling and reuse plant in Ismailia Governorate. The project has a capacity of 1 million cubic m³/day and is built over an area of 42,000 square meters. Al Mahsamma is considered the largest plant of its kind in the world.

The USD100 million has been developed by the JV comprised of Metito, the multinational global provider of intelligent water management and alternative energy solutions, and Hassan Allam Construction, Egypt’s leading engineering, construction and infrastructure company, under the supervision of the Armed Forces Engineering Authority. The JV scope of work for this flagship project includes the engineering, construction, operations (EC&O), commissioning and O&M for a period of five years.

Al Mahsama forms part of Egypt’s progressive and multi-pronged approach to ensuring the country’s water security through wastewater treatment, desalination, and the preservation of natural water resources. The plant’s daily capacity will contribute to the preservation of the natural ecology of the Al Temsah Lake, located west of the Suez Canal, which has been impacted by wastewater disposal.

Commenting on the official inauguration of Al Mahsamma plant, Eng. Karim Madwar, Metito Africa Managing Director, said; “Metito is honored to play its part in this world-class mega national project located in the highly strategic east of the Suez Canal area. This is in line with the Egyptian government’s progressive strategy pertaining to water security.

Madwar highlighted that the latest technologies were utilized in the project for the treatment of agricultural drainage water to produce suitable water for irrigation and land reclamation and per the highest quality standard and specs set by the Egyptian Government. He also confirmed Metito’s commitment to utilize state-of-the-art technology and systems across its projects and in the various stages of water treatment, coupled with the integration of advanced digital and information technology. The latter is to monitor the effectiveness of operations and to ensure the quality of water remains compliant with standard and client specifications. Madwar further explained that all Metito project sites are equipped with laboratories for on-site water analysis and quality testing round the clock by dedicated experts.

“We are extremely proud to have been selected to contribute to the development of a project of such strategic importance, which we were able to complete in a record ten months, amounting to 2.5 million man hours with no injuries or time lost, a testament to the state’s confidence in our capabilities,” said Hassan Allam, Chairman of Hassan Allam Construction. “Al Mahsama plant will contribute to combatting water scarcity and will have a resounding impact on Egypt’s water security agenda and transform the scope if wastewater treatment across Africa.” He added, “We are extending our efforts to provide the latest solutions that help solving the water poverty, one of the major regional and global concerns.”

The plant will contribute to the irrigation of 70,000 acres of land in the Sinai, as part of the government’s efforts to develop the region by creating sustainable urban communities and job opportunities in the area. The water is transferred to the plant from Ismailia irrigation drainage canal, located west of Suez Canal, through two individual pump stations crossing underneath the Suez Canal into Srabuim siphon, from which the water is further pumped through the plant’s pump station using 8 vertical turbine type pumps – six working pumps and two on standby – with each pumping at a speed of 7000m³/hr.

Al Mahsamma project was named “Infrastructure Project of the Year” at Dubai’s 2019 Construction Innovation Awards and has been shortlisted for the Wastewater Project of the Year award at the Global Water Awards, with results set to be announced at the Global Water Summit in Spain at a future date.

• Today marks the start of construction at the first Independent Sewage Treatment Plant Project in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Dammam
• Key project documents including the finance documents have been executed
• Notice to Proceed has been issued allowing contractors to mobilise and commence construction activities at the Dammam West project site

Dammam, 12 February 2020 – Today marks the start of construction at the first Independent Sewage Treatment Plant Project (ISTP) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Dammam West. The Notice to Proceed (NTP) allowing the contractors to mobilise and start construction on site has been issued following the execution of relevant project and finance documents by the banking group and the consortium developing the project led by the Metito Group and comprising the companies; “Metito”, “Mowah”, and “Orascom Construction” (the Consortium).

The plant has a designed capacity of 350,000 cubic meters per day and an initial capacity of 200,000 cubic meters per day and will serve the western region of Dammam. The project is the first ISTP to be awarded by the Saudi Water Partnership Company to investors under a Build- Own- Operate-Transfer (BOOT) model and plays an integral part of the plan set by the Ministry to tender similar projects to the investors in different regions across the Kingdom. This is in line with the Kingdom’s “Vision 2030” and the wider initiatives approved by the Cabinet of Ministers to further encourage private sector participation in economic development initiatives.

Rami Ghandour, Metito Managing Director commented: “The Dammam ISTP is a true testament of the Kingdom’s progressive and visionary leadership and a great example of their support to further involving private sector in lifeline mega infrastructural projects. Together with the support from the Saudi Water Partnership Company and the National Water Company, we will develop a project in world-class quality using the most efficient solutions and advanced technology that will guarantee sustainable optimized operations and service excellence. We will develop a working model for other similar projects in the Kingdom and further afield”.

Sami Alrayes, Mowah Chairman and CEO said: “Today is a milestone for the Saudi PPP sewage programme with the start of construction works in the Dammam West ISTP.  Contractors are commencing mobilization and conducting site preparation, surveying, clearing, levelling and fencing confirming the commitment of Dammam West Company for Water in speeding the start of construction works in one of the first projects under this program.”

Osama Bishai, Chief Executive Officer of Orascom Construction, commented, “We are pleased with the financing milestones achieved on this project, paving the way for the start of construction. Orascom Construction’s experience, especially in the water sector, will be key to facilitate the successful execution of Dammam West ISTP. We are excited to play an integral role in this program and look forward to continue collaborating with SWPC and National Water Company.”

• The Consortium wins the project with the record-breaking lowest bid to develop a 55-megawatts electric ac plant
• The solar power plant will significantly contribute to the Bangladesh government’s agenda towards sustainable use of energy-mix

The Government of Bangladesh has awarded the Rangunia 55-megawatts electric (MWe) ac grid-tied solar power plant project to the Consortium led by Metito Group together with Jinko Power and AlJomaih Group (the Consortium). The project will be developed on a Build Own Operate (BOO) basis under a 20 years concession agreement, which is in line with the Government’s vision to secure a more balanced energy-mix and a reduction in environmental pollution in Bangladesh.

The Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB), pursuant to approval from the Power Division, Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources (MPEMR), awarded the project to the Consortium. BPDB had earlier announced the Consortium as the lowest bidder with the competitive tariff of $0.0748/kWh — the lowest tariff ever reported in Bangladesh.

The Consortium will build the power plant in Rangunia, Chattogram on a land provided by BPDB and is well-equipped to commission the project by the second half of the year 2021. The power plant will be connected to the 132/33 kilovolts Chandraghona grid substation by a single circuit (ckt) 132 kilo volts line.

Metito is a global leader and provider of choice for total intelligent water management solutions with over 60 years of experience covering three business areas: design and build, specialty chemicals, and utilities. Metito has recently extended its unmatched experience developing Public Private Partnership Projects (PPPs) in the water sector to cover the alternative energy sector with focus on developing solar, wind and waste-to-energy power projects. Rangunia’s 55-MWe ac grid-tied solar power plant is the first alternative energy project for Metito in Bangladesh.

Rami Ghandour, Metito Managing Director said; “Bangladesh has a very progressive leadership and such projects, which harness the power of alternative or renewable energy, are a true testament to a visionary approach towards sustainability. We are honored to be part of this truly synergistic and formidable Consortium where all partners bring unique expertise to the mix, maximizing shared value to our client and to the community we will be serving. We look forward to working closely with BPDB to move to the next stages of the project and we are confident that it will be a huge success.”

Jinko Power is a leading competitive independent solar power producer that develops, builds, finances, owns and operates solar power plants across the world, aiming to make solar a sustainable and affordable source of energy worldwide. By the end of year 2019, Jinko owns and operates nearly 350 solar photovoltaics (PV) projects globally with about 3.1 gigawatts (GW) of solar PV operating assets in China alone. Jinko is also the owner and operator of the world’s largest solar PV plant, the 1.77 GW Sweihan plant. The company contributes handson technical and operational experience to the Consortium which will ensure a smooth and sustainable operation of the plant.

AlJomaih Energy and Water (AEW) is the energy and water arm of AlJomaih Holding Company, one of the most prominent businesses in Saudi Arabia with business interests ranging from automotive sales to service, spares and lubricants. AEW is a developer of largescale power and water assets in Asia, Africa and Middle East. Ibrahim M. Aljomaih, Chief Executive Officer of Aljomaih Energy and Water, said; “This milestone renewable project is of the utmost importance to us as it demonstrates our commitment to the Bangladeshi Energy Sector – the primary growth engine for the entire Bangladeshi economy. AlJomaih Energy and Water has operated in this critical sector in Bangladesh for the past 12 years and we are pleased to reaffirm our confidence in the country’s economy by participating in this project and by being a positive force in Bangladesh’s drive towards renewable energy and sustained economic growth.”

ISTANBUL: Metito, the leading global provider of total intelligent water management solutions and alternative energy systems, acquired majority shares in Turkish chemical company Info Group. The news was announced in a signing ceremony at Ciragan Palace Kempinski, Istanbul in the presence of high level guests, key clients, and employees from both companies and members of the media.

Fady Juez, Metito Managing Director and board member, commented on this new acquisition during the event by saying; “This transaction marks Metito’s first entry into the Turkish market through investing in a local company. We are bringing to the local market over 60 years of global experience and knowhow, international networks and access to latest technologies and market intelligence, as well as a formidable financial backing by our key shareholders including Mitsubishi Corporation, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and the IFC. Info brings deep local knowledge and technical understanding of the requirements, regulations and market dynamics in Turkey”. “This formula will deem Info Group more competitive and more equipped to tap into great opportunities in Turkey and beyond”, he added.

Founding Partner of Info Group Abdullah Uslu also said that the cooperation they will be building with a major company which accomplished 3000 projects in over 46 countries worldwide shall serve as a great example to the establishment of significant partnerships in Turkey, despite the unfavorable effects of the global economic crisis over Turkey. Uslu continued to say;” Info accomplished over 10 million cubic meters of water recycling through the custom-built systems in accordance to the state, structure and business objectives of high level clients in Turkey and with Metito backing we will surely become more competitive and add further value”.

“We are excited to be partnering with Metito, a global multinational with an established presence and worldly experience. This is proof of the success we have so far achieved as a company and a testament to our ability to grow and to become further competitive above and beyond our current capabilities”, said Recep OZGAN, Info Group newly assigned General Manager.

• To support the theme of this year’s World Water Day “Leaving no one behind”, Metito collaborates with Planet Water Foundation to serve daily water needs in the Palghar district in India through innovative technologies
• Nearly 663 million people lack access to an improved water source and this number is expected to increase

UAE, 22 March 2019: According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), half of the world’s population will be living in water-stressed areas by 2025. This World Water Day, Metito and Planet Water Foundation are bridging the gap between water supply and demand by improving existing water sources in the communities.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and WHO reported that nearly 663 million people lack access to an improved water source. The situation is expected to deteriorate further as a result of rising populations, urbanisation and industrialisation, and more importantly, the lack of sufficient knowledge among consumers about water scarcity, the importance of safe water access and the prospects of conflicts pertaining to water security.

By driving fundamental changes through sustainable projects across water-stressed markets and its community engagement programmes, Metito strives to positively impact on this impending scenario with effective knowledge transfer on water preservation, responsible consumption and wastewater recycling and reuse.

Metito has extended its partnership with Planet Water Foundation, a leading non-profit organisation that addresses global water poverty by delivering clean water access and hygiene education programmes, to construct and deploy an AquaTower, a drinking water filtration system, in the Palghar district in India.

Planet Water Foundation’s AquaTower is a sustainable source water filtration solution that secures access to clean water, helping the community by improving health, increasing educational opportunities through higher rates of school attendance, and transforming the lives of women and girls, who often dedicate several hours a day to collecting water.

“Individuals and organisations must play their role if we want to evoke positive change in the world water balance. We believe that knowledge sharing is the most critical aspect of it all. By deploying our resources – technological, intellectual and practical experience – we can bring about more sustainable solutions and secure water where it is needed. We must also educate and tap into the youth’s curiosity, unrestricted thinking space and ability to bring about effective change. Project 24 led by the non-profit organisation Planet Water Foundation checks all these boxes for us,” commented Mutaz Ghandour, Chairman and CEO at Metito.

While the greater Palghar area is a growing and more modern city by most standards in India, the rural communities have small-scale industries to drive their economies. Every village, or taluka, has a river or well acting as the primary water source, with villagers and children traveling approximately half a kilometer to collect water.

Bathing and defecation are performed outside due to a lack of proper plumbing and hygiene practices, making uncovered wells susceptible to overflow with waste and therefore unfit for human consumption. The lack of hygiene education is also demonstrated by families using unsanitary containers for purposes other than drinking water at home.

“Following our project last year in Indonesia, we are more than equipped to change the lives of many more in another area of need – this year, it will be the Palghar District in India. This continued initiative reinforces both our and Metito’s commitment to ending global water poverty and to supporting organisations who share the same vision of bridging the gap between depleting natural water supply and the increasing demand for clean and safe water,” said Mark Steele, Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Planet Water Foundation.

In 2018, Metito successfully deployed a similar project with Planet Water Foundation securing 30 volunteering hours, transferring water-health and hygiene knowledge to 16 teachers, reaching over 350 school children and over a thousand beneficiaries in Lombok Island, West Nusa Tenggara Province in Indonesia.

Elsewhere in the world, Metito continues to promote the importance of information dissemination and knowledge transfer on water scarcity, water preservation, safety and security. Primarily targeting school and university aged children, Metito hosts workshops, presentations and site visits where students are introduced to latest water statistics and the concept of water recycling and reuse, challenging the youth to improve the water situation in their country and worldwide and change their water consumption lifestyle.

Paving the path for a future with increased water security, Metito has been at the forefront of creating sustainable iconic projects in Africa and the Middle East including: AlGalalah mega seawater reverse osmosis desalination plant project, the largest plant of its type in Egypt, built on 60,000m2 with a capacity of 150,000 m3/day and serving 1M residents and industries; the first Independent Sewage Treatment Plant Project in West Dammam in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; and Kigali Bulk Surface Water concession, the first project of its type in sub-Saharan Africa, securing potable water needs for Kigali and other towns.