Muscat: Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) has committed to supporting a host of new projects worth more than OMR1.4 million, which will benefit communities and boost sustainable development across the Sultanate of Oman.

The initiatives include commitments in the key areas of health, community infrastructure development as well as enhancing the education sector.

Nine Memorandums of Collaboration (MoCs) confirming these commitments were signed during an official ceremony held under the patronage of Eng. Badr Salim Al Ma’amari, Secretary General of the Tender Board, at the PDO Knowledge World venue here today.

To encourage the provision of the best medical services across Oman, PDO is funding the construction of a new Mudhi health centre in the Wilayat of Thumrait, which serves 40 patients per day. It is also funding the purchase of medical equipment for the Royal Hospital and Al Halaniyat Health Center.

In line with the company’s commitment to supporting the education sector within its concession area, PDO signed an agreement to provide lab computers to Alm’arif and Al Kuhl schools in the Wilayats of Haima and Al Jazer. As many as 558 students will benefit from these computers which will contribute to enhancing the quality of education.

PDO External Affairs and Value Creation Director Eng. Abdul Amir Abdul Hussein Al Ajmi said, “Today’s signings are following PDO’s long-standing practice of supporting local communities through investments in sustainable development projects.

“These and other social projects that arise from the partnership between PDO and different Government stakeholders have been endorsed by the Social Investment Committee, and they stand as a testament to PDO’s dedication to supporting the prosperity of local communities.”

Other agreements include purchasing a new bus for Al Noor Association For the Blind and funding an innovation club for the Childcare Center in Muscat.

To encourage the adoption of sports and healthy lifestyles in Oman, PDO is sponsoring the Himam Trail Run race which is expected to attract more than 500 participants from 40 countries.

Moreover, PDO will fund the renovation of the Camel racetrack in Saih Al Arrad in the Wilayat of Bahla and the construction of a 1.6-km walk path in Hamra Duru in the Wilayat of Ibri, both of which will benefit 118 villages and more than 6,000 beneficiaries.