RIYADH: National Water Co., a joint stock firm fully owned by the Public Investment Fund, has announced the completion of an SR89.8 million ($23 million) environmental project in Saudi Arabia’s central Qassim region. The new project will provide sanitation services to a projected 27,000 recipients across 29 neighborhoods in the region. In a press release, NWC indicated that networks with a length of 108,634 meters were extended, and 3,519 household connections were implemented across the governorates of Onaizah, Al-Rass, Al-Muthnab, Al-Bukairiyah, Al-Bada’i, Al-Khubra and Riyadh. Its sanitation project also includes the construction of a pumping station in Al Bukayriyah Governorate with an estimated capacity of 7,280 cubic meters per day. The station is anticipated to serve over 27,207 citizens. The project also falls in line with NWC’s goal to elevate the level of customer service, expand coverage rates for sanitation services, and raise the operational efficiency of services. Earlier this year, in August, NWC announced plans to roll out 1,429 projects for tender with a total value exceeding SR108 billion, as part of its strategy to support the Kingdom"s five-year plan to develop the sector"s infrastructure. Terming this as 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.