RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s National Water Co. announced its plans to roll out 1,429 projects for tender with a total value exceeding SR108 billion ($28.7 billion), as part of its strategy to support the Kingdom"s five-year plan to develop the sector"s infrastructure. Terming this the largest package of projects ever in the water distribution sector, NWC said the announcement is part of its continued plans and programs for developing water and environmental infrastructure. This includes expanding the coverage of water and wastewater networks and increasing sewage treatment plant"s capacity, in addition to extending water services coverage to all citizens and residents across the Kingdom regions, it said. "The projects will contribute to the realization of the National Water Strategy and Vision 2030"s objectives, diversify the economy and boost overall development,” NWC Acting CEO Nemer M. Al-Shebl said in a statement. He noted that these projects will greatly complement the sustainability of water and environmental services. “The water and wastewater coverage will be immensely increased in all Saudi regions following the completion of these projects,” added Al-Shebl. The projects include 13 administrative regions comprising cities and governorates in all six sectors. The company specified 353 projects worth SR38.96 billion for the western sector, Makkah; 240 projects worth SR14.19 billion for the central region, Riyadh; and 215 projects worth SR12.95 billion for the northern sector comprising Qassim, Hail, Jauf and the northern borders. It will also launch 328 projects worth more than SR15.3 billion for the southern sector including Asir, Jazan, Najran and Al-Baha provinces; and 162 projects costing over SR7.7 billion for the north-west sector comprising Madinah and Tabuk regions. Additionally, the company plans to implement 117 projects worth SR16.17 billion for the eastern sector, Eastern Province; and 14 projects worth more than SR2.72 billion to support all sectors. This comes as Saline Water Conversion Corp. on Tuesday announced 21 schemes worth SR13 billion, representing the first package within a five-year capital portfolio for the environment, water and agriculture system. The developments are a response to increasing demand driven by population growth in some regions, and contribute to achieving water security and sustainability.