JV of Besix and Veolia awarded Dh3bn contract

A contract to construct and operate two wastewater treatment plants in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain has been won by a joint venture set up by Besix of Belgium and Veolia Water of France.

The Dh3 billion build, own, operate and transfer (Boot) contract was awarded by the Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority (Adwea).

The Abu Dhabi plant will have a capacity of 300,000 cubic metres and the Al Ain one will be able to handle 130,000 cubic metres. They will provide complete water treatment and the water will be suitable for irrigation and use in the cities' green zones.

The contract will run for 25 years, of which two-and-a-half years will be required for construction.

Besix will participate in the operation and maintenance of the plants.

This project is the second Boot deal for the Belgium-based Besix – in February 2006 it signed a Dh2.4bn contract with the emirate of Ajman.

Egypt's Orascom Construction Industries owns 50 per cent of Besix.