Water Safety Forum Reviews
Operational Oversight, Water Quality Standards
Muscat, 13 Apr (ONA) —— Deliberations
of the “Water Safety Forum,” organized by the Authority for Public
Services Regulation (APSR) began today.
The five-day event is being held in
collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), several government and
private entities, and over 40 representatives from licensed water sector
companies.
It aims to enhance the preparedness
of water sector institutions in implementing water safety plans, improving
operational oversight, and ensuring water quality across distribution, storage,
and transportation stages. The event aligns with WHO technical guidelines and
seeks to strengthen the sector’s regulatory and supervisory framework.
The opening ceremony was held under
the patronage of Dr. Mansour Talib Al Hinai, APSR Chairman, who emphasized the
Authority’s ongoing efforts to develop Oman’s water sector regulatory
framework. He highlighted the importance of enabling operators to adopt
proactive risk management practices and enhance safety measures.
On his turn, Dr. Jean Jabbour, WHO
Representative in Oman, stated that the training program to be delivered during
the forum will bolster the development and implementation of water safety
plans, ensuring their sustainability while equipping participants with new
expertise. He reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to supporting Oman in achieving the
highest water safety standards.
The forum’s agenda features five
specialized training phases spread across five days, covering a comprehensive
range of theoretical and applied topics.
The first day focuses on foundational
concepts of water safety plans and the importance of forming multidisciplinary
teams—including engineers, public health experts, and quality specialists—to
develop integrated and effective strategies.
Day two addresses risk assessment
tools and identifying vulnerabilities in distribution systems, alongside
scientific models for prioritizing improvements and establishing safety and
compliance indicators.
The third day centers on building an
operational monitoring system based on accurate, real-time data, incorporating
live surveillance techniques and quality verification methods for critical
stages, as well as institutional documentation mechanisms.
The fourth day includes hands-on
training through a field visit to main reservoirs in Al Khoudh, the Wilayat of
A’Seeb, where participants will conduct practical assessments of emergency
plans and test system resilience under crisis scenarios.
The forum concludes on the fifth day
with a review of evaluation tools and case studies of WHO-endorsed plans used
to refine institutional policies and ensure continuous improvement in water
quality management systems.
Through this forum, the Authority for
Public Services Regulation seeks to establish a comprehensive, science-based
approach to water service management, fostering a national system grounded in
prevention, oversight, and efficiency. The initiative aims to enhance the sustainability
of water services, improve operational transparency and compliance, and expand
international cooperation while leveraging technical expertise to support
institutional development and strengthen Oman’s water security.
The event is attended by
representatives from regulatory and operational institutions, alongside local
and international experts in water management, public health, and risk
assessment.
—— Ends/AH
