Miahona and Marafiq Selected for Major Makkah Sewage Treatment Project
Key Partnership Announcement
Power and Water Utility Company for Jubail and Yanbu (MARAFIQ) and Miahona Company have officially announced their selection as the preferred bidders for the Arana Independent Sewage Treatment Plant (ISTP) project. This collaboration, which includes Buhur for Investment Company, represents a significant step forward in Saudi Arabia’s commitment to enhancing its water and sewage management infrastructure.
Project Overview
The Arana ISTP, located in Makkah province, is set to be developed under a 25-year build, own, operate, and transfer (BOOT) contract, with an estimated total investment of 3 billion riyals, or about $799.4 million. This initiative underscores the ongoing efforts by the Saudi Water Partnership Company (SWPC) to improve waste management solutions in the region.
Consortium Structure
Miahona leads the consortium with a 35 percent ownership stake, alongside MARAFIQ, which also holds a significant 35 percent share. Buhur for Investment Company is an integral part of this partnership, bringing additional resources and expertise to the table.
Project Components and Facilities
The Arana ISTP project entails the construction of specialized facilities for both water and treated sewage effluent (TSE). A critical component will be the outfall delivery facility responsible for the effective management of treated wastewater.
Additionally, the project scope includes the development of various auxiliary facilities. Key aspects will involve the integration of connections to the TSE re-use delivery point, establishing interfaces with the existing electrical substation, and constructing infrastructure for sludge treatment. This will also cover the handling, transportation, and disposal of beneficial-use sludge, ensuring environmental compliance and efficiency.
Capacity Expansion Potential
The treatment capacity of the Arana ISTP is notable, with the ability to extend operations up to 500,000 cubic meters per day, depending on the requests from SWPC. This flexibility is vital for ensuring that the facility can adapt to the growing demands for wastewater management in the region.
Competitive Edge
In securing this contract, the Miahona-led consortium submitted the lowest levelized treatment cost of 1.350 SAR/m³, a key factor in SWPC’s decision-making process. This competitive pricing not only emphasizes the consortium’s efficiency but also highlights its commitment to providing cost-effective solutions in environmental management.
Conclusion
The collaboration between Miahona, MARAFIQ, and Buhur for the Arana ISTP project represents a significant milestone in Saudi Arabia’s infrastructure development. As the preferred bidder, this consortium is poised to play a crucial role in enhancing the region’s sewage treatment capabilities, ensuring sustainable management of water resources in the kingdom.
By investing in advanced technology and infrastructure, the Arana ISTP aims to meet the evolving needs of the Makkah province, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s long-term vision for sustainable development and environmental stewardship.
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