Strategic Sewerage Tunnel Dubai Invest AED 12.5 Billion (DSST)

Dubai Municipality signs AED 12 billion contract for Deep Tunnel Sewerage System project

Dubai Municipality has taken a significant step towards modernizing its infrastructure by signing a contract with Parsons Corporation to implement the Deep Tunnel Sewerage System (DTSS) project. This initiative, costing AED 12 billion, is set to revolutionize the city’s sewage management by eliminating over 121 sewage pumping stations and incorporating deep tunnels that extend between 25 to 90 meters below the Earth’s surface. The DTSS project aims to ensure a sustainable and environment-friendly urban development for Dubai.

Strategic Importance

The Deep Tunnel Sewerage System is a strategic project that underscores Dubai’s commitment to sustainable development and urban resilience. Approved by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, this project reflects a visionary approach to city planning and infrastructure development. Eng. Hussain Nasser Lootah, Director General of Dubai Municipality, emphasized the project’s role in providing a flexible and integrated sewage system that aligns with the long-term vision of transforming Dubai into a global city with robust and sustainable infrastructure.

Implementation Phases
The DTSS project will be implemented in two primary phases to optimize the city’s sewage management and accommodate future urban growth:

• Phase 1: This phase will focus on the Deira area, where two tunnels will be excavated. One tunnel will transfer sewage flows to the treatment plant in Al Warsan. The second tunnel in Bur Dubai will channel sewage to the Al Warsan plant, enhancing the overall efficiency of the city’s sewage system.
• Phase 2: This phase will extend the system’s reach to Bur Dubai, directing sewage flows to the treatment plant in Jebel Ali. Future phases may be implemented as needed to support new development areas or to interlink Deira and Bur Dubai, ensuring the DTSS remains adaptable to the city’s evolving needs.

Advantages of the Deep Tunnel System
The DTSS project offers numerous benefits over traditional sewage management systems, marking a significant advancement in urban infrastructure:

• Reduced Maintenance: Traditional sewage systems require frequent maintenance and construction work. The DTSS significantly reduces these needs, resulting in a more durable and reliable system.
• Elimination of Traditional Infrastructure: The project will eliminate the need for numerous sewage treatment plants and pumping stations, leading to a cleaner and more efficient sewage management system.
• Minimized Construction Damage: The innovative tunneling technology used in the DTSS minimizes damage to roads, passages, and other utilities, reducing the overall impact of construction on the city and its residents.
• Sustainable and Cost-Effective: The DTSS is designed to be a long-term solution for sewage management, offering substantial cost savings over its lifespan. It also saves around 30% of electrical power compared to traditional systems and reduces carbon emissions by 30%, contributing to a more sustainable urban environment.

Project Specifications
The DTSS project encompasses a comprehensive and robust infrastructure designed to meet the city’s long-term needs:

• Tunnels: The project includes over 70 kilometers of deep tunnels, providing a substantial and efficient network for sewage management.
• Sewerage Links: Approximately 140 kilometers of sewerage links will connect various parts of the city to the main tunnels, ensuring seamless sewage flow.
• Pumping Stations: Several main pumping stations will be strategically located to support the system, although the overall number of stations will be significantly reduced compared to the traditional infrastructure.

Partnership and Expertise
Parsons Corporation, a renowned engineering and construction firm, has been entrusted with the management and implementation of the DTSS project. Their services will include feasibility studies, preliminary design, preparation of IPO, and detailed project management. Parsons’ extensive experience in handling complex sewage projects globally will ensure the successful execution and supervision of the DTSS.

Mark Walsh, President of Parsons Group, highlighted the significance of this project for Dubai Municipality and its role in advancing Dubai’s status as a global city. Jaafar Halawi, First Deputy Director of Parsons and Parsons Director in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) for industrial projects, expressed the company’s commitment to delivering the best solutions and successful implementation strategies for this key project.

Environmental Impact
One of the primary goals of the DTSS project is to minimize its environmental impact while enhancing the city’s infrastructure. The new system is designed to accommodate future sewage flows and support sustainable development scenarios. By preserving the desert and coastal environment that characterizes Dubai, the project ensures that the city remains an attractive destination for living, working, and entertainment.

The DTSS will also contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing carbon emissions by 30% and saving up to 30% of electrical power compared to traditional systems. Additionally, the project will enable the transformation of former sewage plant sites into commercial or public areas, maximizing the use of valuable urban land and enhancing the city’s aesthetic and functional appeal.

Conclusion
The Deep Tunnel Sewerage System project represents a monumental step forward for Dubai’s infrastructure, offering a sustainable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly solution to the city’s sewage management needs. With its strategic importance, innovative implementation, and numerous benefits, the DTSS is set to play a crucial role in Dubai’s urban development and its vision of becoming a global city with world-class infrastructure.

By partnering with Parsons Corporation and leveraging their expertise, Dubai Municipality is ensuring that the DTSS project will be executed to the highest standards, paving the way for a cleaner, more efficient, and sustainable future for the city and its residents.