RIYADH: The National Water Company yesterday signed contracts valued at SR12.5 million with national and international consultancy firms for the privatization of water and sewage sectors in Makkah, Taif, Madinah, Dammam and Alkhobar.

Under the contracts, that were signed by Water and Electricity Minister Abdullah Al-Hussayen, the consultancy firms will advise the company on management, operation and maintenance water and sewage projects in the five cities.

“The firms will also complete the procedures for reaching agreement with potential companies to implement the projects and prepare a plan for the transfer of employees from the public sector to the private sector,” an official statement said.

The statement hoped that the privatization of water and sewage projects in the five cities would be completed within 18 months.

Prima Law & Consultations Office, in association with Simon & Simon won the contract for providing legal consultancy. Hyder Consulting won the technical consultancy contract while Al-Dakhil Capital Group the financial consultancy contract.

The National Water Company earlier completed the privatization of water and sewage facilities in Riyadh and Jeddah, valued at SR18.5 billion.