Tunnel planned to tackle capital wastewater issue

Abu Dhabi, July 1, 2008 (WAM) - The Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company (ADSSC) is stepping up efforts to implement the Strategic Tunnel Enhancement Programme (STEP) during the next six years to establish a tunnel that will cater to the immediate, short and long-term needs of Abu Dhabi's wastewater and drainage issues.

The STEP project comprises 40 kilometres of deep sewerage tunnel and two new
large pumping stations.

Engineer Omur Akay, Senior Vice-President of CH2M Hill Company, told Khaleej
Times that they are keen to support Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity
Authority (ADWEA) and ADSSC. "It is really important to execute a very
fast track delivery schedule to meet the short- to long-term wastewater
infrastructure needs of Abu Dhabi," said Akay.

"We believe this programme will play a very critical role in the
implementation of Abu Dhabi's 2030 Urban Structure Framework Plan," he
added. The team has been working on the development of initial plans for the
last few months. "The STEP will benefit the city as it will be a relief for
the critical parts of the existing system on Abu Dhabi Island (the northern
quadrant)," said Akay.