PDO commits over $1.8 million to new social investment initiatives

Muscat: Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) announced that it is funding four new social investment initiatives with a total of more than $1.8 million aimed at strengthening health care, education and transportation safety in the Sultanate.

The memorandums of cooperation (MoC) governing these projects were signed at a ceremony held under the auspices of Mohsin bin Hamad bin Saif Al Hadhrami, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Energy and Minerals.

To support providing the best health services, PDO signed an agreement with the Ministry of Health to fund the construction of a new maternity and neonatal ward in Bahla Hospital. The new addition will help improve the quality of care for mothers and newborns in response to the surge in demand for maternity services in the governorate.

In line with the company's commitment to backing the education sector within its concession area, PDO signed two agreements with the Ministry of Education. The first is to fund the construction of additional classes for Al Habbi school in the Wilayat of Bahla, while the second will cover funding a defensive driving training programme in cooperation with the Royal Oman Police for school bus drivers across the concession area, to extend the initiative to cover other governorates. The programme will help reduce school bus accidents, and ensure safer journeys for children to and from school.

PDO Managing Director Steve Phimister, said, “We are delighted to sign these new agreements, which will help benefit many citizens across Oman. The initiatives are aligned with our company's commitment to sustainable development and our goal of maximising value for the Sultanate.”

Another agreement signed at the event was with Al Dhahira Municipality to partially fund the construction of a central slaughterhouse in the Wilayat of Ibri, which will elevate the governorate's food safety and hygiene standards.