The ongoing construction work at Al Jissah village is part of the Bander Al Jissa Tourism Project, the Minister of Tourism has clarified.
Speaking to Al Shabiba, the sister publication of Times of Oman, Ahmed bin Nasser Al Mahrazi, the Minister of Tourism said, "The land for the Bander Al Jissa Tourism Project was allocated by Royal Decree No. 62/2005, issued on June 26, 2005. The said Royal Decree granted the status of public utility to the tourism resort project covering a total area of 2,195,620 sq meters.
The project is part of a joint investment venture between the Government of Oman, represented by Oman Tourism Development Company , and Saraya Holdings Company, at 50 per cent each.-?
Earlier, Al Shabiba had reported about heavy equipment operating at Al Jissah village. The news article had also mentioned that no board had been put up providing summary details of the project, contractor and consultants.
The Minister of Tourism also explained that the government's share in the project is 50 per cent and the funding is through the Oman Tourism Development Company . "The project is titled 'Saraya Bander Al Jissa Project' and is one of the projects having high percentage of government shares, especially when you compare it to other projects in which the government stake is usually at around 30 per cent,-? the minister said.
The minister also reaffirmed that the investor has been asked to adhere to the norms for preservation of all heritage sites as well as whatever remained of the heritage village on the beach within the project area. Work on the project is going on under the supervision of the concerned authorities so that all norms are met.
"The agreement for the project was signed on August 31, 2009. The delay in the project work was due to concerns raised on the protection of heritage sites on the land allocated for the project,” said the minister.
The estimated cost of the project is RO200 million ($519.5 million). "The project includes construction of two five-star hotels comprising 200 rooms and 400 villas. The proposed cost is only for Phase one of the project which relates to tourism development of the area. We always give priority to the tourism side of the projects,” the minister said.
Times of Oman
7 October
