Gulf states postpone water project

Riyadh: Ministers of water and electricity in the Gulf Cooperation Council have unanimously decided to postpone a proposed water grid project.

The project will be discussed following the completion of feasibility studies but the GCC states will go ahead with the implementation of the first phase of an electricity grid. The first phase will be launched by the beginning of next year.

The ministers concluded their 20th meeting in Riyadh on Wednesday evening. They discussed recommendations made by their preparatory committees on issues concerning water and electricity grid projects.

Abdullah Al Hosayen, the Saudi minister, said the UAE and Oman agreed to join the first phase of the power grid project.

Earlier, only Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar had decided to take part in the first phase.

"The joining of the two countries will give the project an impetus and will accelerate the completion of the grid project from 2010 to 2009," Al-Hosayen told reporters.

The Saudi minister denied that the meeting reviewed water and electricity tariff in the GCC member states.