World Construction Network

Daily Newsletter

08 August 2023

Daily Newsletter

Muscat Municipality in Oman has granted its approval to property developer Alargan for the construction of a low-water crossing as part of the overarching Telal Al Qurm project.

Telal Al Qurm is a signature mixed-use development project by Alargan. It includes 1,584 apartments, 46 townhouses, and two four-star hotels, as well as commercial and office spaces.

The low-water crossing intends to offer quick access and connectivity for the residents of Telal Al Qurm, reported Muscat Daily.

The project will begin on 20 August and is set to take four months to complete, complying with the country's strict Highway Design Standards 2017.

The approval for the project came after a thorough hydrological analysis that ensured all-year structural stability and adequate water flow throughout rainy seasons. The deployment of precise drainage methods is expected to enhance the current surface water drainage systems even further.

The bridge, which measures 4m² and comprises 27 cells, will be key in preserving a year-round connection to Telal Al Qurm.

Alargan's acting general manager for Telal Al Qurm, Eng Maher Joujou, said: “At Alargan, we consistently strive to enhance the living experience for our valued residents and investors. Safety remains a paramount concern, making it a top priority throughout the bridge’s development.

“The approval of the Irish bridge [low-water crossing] reflects our unwavering commitment to creating thriving communities with top-tier infrastructure and safety.

“This transformative initiative amplifies Alargan’s vision of creating thriving communities that set new standards in modern living, making Telal Al Qurm an address of distinction. The seamless connectivity forged by the bridge is set to bolster the overall value of the project, enriching the investment potential for residents and stakeholders alike.”

ESG 2.0 marks a shift towards stricter environmental rules

ESG is moving into a different era, which we call ESG 2.0. While ESG 1.0 was driven by voluntary corporate action, spurred by pressure from activist consumers and investors, ESG 2.0 is being driven by a new wave of government policies. The EU has taken the regulatory lead, with rules introduced or in the pipeline that will price emissions, regulate the use of the terms ‘ESG’ and ‘sustainability’ in marketing materials, and make ESG reporting mandatory. The US has taken a different approach, favoring less regulation and more financial support in the form of tax breaks for clean industry (renewables plus nuclear and hydrogen). China is planning to expand its emissions trading system to more sectors, decarbonize its heavy industry, and ramp up its use of renewables. The new policy direction is mainly motivated by the ambition to hit net zero emissions targets. But on top of this, governments are now competing for clean industry and trying to challenge China’s leadership on the production of the world’s green technologies such as solar panels and batteries, as well as the production and refinement of materials needed for energy transition such as lithium. These driving forces are leading to policy that will impact every sector, not just heavy industry, and will keep ESG near the top of the regulatory agenda over the longer term.