Oman Daily Observer reported that a major expansion of Raysut Industrial Estate is on the anvil as authorities prepare for a surge in industrial investment on the back of a massive infrastructure development program currently under way in Dhofar Governorate.

The Public Estate for Industrial Estates, which administers the Sultanate's growing network of industrial parks, plans to boost the size of Raysut Industrial Estate by a further 136 hectares. The move will effectively triple the park's developed area from the present 63 hectares to a total of 209 hectares by around 2013.

A number of construction firms are looking to participate in a tender for a contract to build the infrastructure for the expanded industrial park in Salalah. Al Hatmy Engineering is the design consultant for the expansion project. In addition to leveling the land, the selected contractor will also construct a road network and build the infrastructure for various utilities, including potable water, wastewater collection, storm water drainage, firefighting, electrical networks and street lighting.

The expansion will cater for a diverse variety of investments in small and medium scale manufacturing, processing, fabrication, warehousing and technical services. The area will be subdivided into plots with inbuilt utility infrastructure designed to add to the park's investment appeal.

PEIE hopes to leverage the industrial estate's location within easy proximity of the Port of Salalah and Salalah International Airport both the subjects of major expansion programs to attract industrial investment into the park. Massive outlays in the expansion of Salalah's electricity generation, water supply, sewerage treatment and road network are also expected to enhance the park's appeal as a destination for local and international investment.

(Sourced from Oman Daily Observer)