ADSSC takes over sewerage services in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company (ADSSC) has taken over management of sewerage services in the capital from the municipality and has initiated the privatisation process, a top company official said.

Alan Thompson, ADSSC Managing Director, said the treatment plants would be privatised but the networks would be outsourced.

"The transfer was completed at the end of 2005 and effective January 1, 2006, ADSSC took over the assets and personnel from the Abu Dhabi Municipality. Our main task is to review the current assets and draw up a long-term management plan as well as invest in infrastructure," he told Gulf News in an interview.

"The privatisation process has started, we have appointed a team of consultants and advisors, both technical and financial and a strategic investor will be selected by 2008."

ADSSC now has assets worth Dh9 billion and staff totalling 1500 including some from Al Ain now come under the new company.

Assets include treatment plants, pumping stations and networks.

ADSSC will operate as a subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority.

He said Abu Dhabi currently has two major water treatment plants, one in Mafraq and the other in Al Ain that cater to some 90 per cent of the flow.

There are also 22 small wastewater treatment plants.