Oman Daily Observer reported that a contract for the first of a series of grain storage complexes is due to be awarded shortly, signalling the start of a key phase in the implementation of the Omani government's food security strategy. A complex of warehouses at Barka is expected to be built in the first of a network of strategic stockpiles of essential staples due to be established at key locations around the Sultanate.

A number of Omani engineering firms are bidding for a contract to build the food storage complex at Barka, on behalf of the Public Authority for Stores and Food Reserves. The Authority is overseeing the implementation of the country's food security strategy. The successful bidder will win a contract to build a vast storage complex comprising six air conditioned warehouses each maintained at temperatures ranging from 18 to 24 degrees centigrade. In addition there will be three 'dry' warehouses operated at ambient temperatures. All nine warehouses will boast a total floor space of around 50,000 square meters.

According to officials, the pre engineered structural steel warehouses are designed for the storage of palletized bagged commodities, such as rice, wheat and sugar. Also planned alongside the sheds are guardrooms, facilities for staff accommodation, and a helipad. Well known consultants Simon Engineering & Partners are the design and construction supervision consultants for the project. An 18 months timeframe has been specified for the completion of the complex.

Next off the block for construction is a similar complex of grain warehouses planned in the Wilayat of Al Kamil W' al Wafi in the Sharqiya region. In all, nine warehouses are envisaged as part of this complex. Ibn Khaldun is the design engineering and construction supervisor for the Al Kamil component of the national strategic food stockpiles initiative.

In addition to Barka and Al Kamil, four other locations will host storage complexes as part of the country's strategic stockpiles initiative. Warehouse complexes are also planned at Sohar, Salalah, Nizwa and Rusayl. The six locations have been so chosen to ensure easy access to population centers in the event that an emergency distribution of food supplies becomes imperative.

(Sourced from Oman Daily)